Development of Novel "Nonamphiphilic" Polymeric Micelles

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We found novel micelle formation of "nonamphiphilic" polymers consisting entirely of solvophilic segments and developed new polymeric materials using the micelle formation. We prepared nonamphiphilic block copolymers and random copolymers having electron-donating groups at the side chains. The copolymers showed no self-assembly by themselves. The light scattering studies demonstrated that the copolymers formed spherical micelles with a nanoscale in the presence of additives which have an interaction or promote salt formation with the side groups of the copolymers. The size and aggregation numbers of the micelles were dependent on the molecular weight of the polymers, the functionality and structure of the additives, indicating that the size and aggregation numbers of the micelles could be controlled by these factors. We also explored the thermodynamics and kinetics of the micellization and determined the enthalpy and entropy of the micelle formation. Furthermore, we succeeded in preparing functional nanoparticles through the micelle formation of block copolymers with functional groups. The micellization of block copolymers with dye molecules and UV absorbents produced highly light-stable nanodyes.