Synthesis of three types of amphiphilic poly(ethylene glycol)-block-poly (sebacic anhydride) copolymers and studies of their micellar solutions

Linear, three- and four-armed block copolymers based on PEG and PSA were synthesized by melt polycondensation reactions. The CMC of the copolymer was measured using the dye solubilization method. The copolymers were found to self-aggregate in water to form micelles above the CMC. The micellar solutions were prepared with different methods and investigated by DLS and AFM. The DLS method was used to measure the mean hydrodynamic diameters of the micelles. It was found that preparation method and condition of the micellar solution, as well as the structure and composition of the copolymer had effects on the hydrodynamic diameter of the copolymer micelles. AFM studies showed that the morphology of the micelle was spherical.