Split Spike Structures of an Amphiphilic Polymer Layer Grafted Onto a Spherical Nanoparticle

Abstract

The article aims to describe specific split spike structures that can be found in grafted layers of comb-like macromolecules. The split spike was defined here as a filamentous thread-like «solvophobic core-solvophilic shell» aggregate that, at some distance from the grafting surface, disintegrates into thinner filaments due to a decrease in the local density of the grafted layers. An analytical theory is proposed that describes the diversity of stable split structures from amphiphilic A-graft-B macromolecules grafted onto a spherical nanoparticle, the conditions of their formation, and the pathway of their transformation. The proposed theory allowed us to analyze the impact of solvent quality and selectivity, as well as chain grafting density and polymerization degree, to the formation of such structures. The theory interprets the literature experimental data and describes the results of computer simulations. It provides a basis for the designing of nanoparticles with a complex branched surface.