Synthesis and solution state self-assembly of linear-dendritic block copolymers

• Main Author: Stokes, Kristoffer Keith
• Other Authors: Paula T. Hammond.
• Format: Others
• Language: English
• Published: Massachusetts Institute of Technology 2007
• Subjects: Chemistry.
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/1721.1/39583

Thesis (Ph. D.)--Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Dept. of Chemistry, 2007. === Vita. === Includes bibliographical references. === Linear-dendritic block copolymers consisting of a poly(styrene) linear block and poly(amidoamine) dendrimer block were synthesized and examined for their ability to self-assemble in both aqueous environments and organic/aqueous mixtures. These polymers were shown to assemble into vesicle structures under a variety of conditions. Furthermore, size measurements of the dendritic portion were taken by means of Langmuir-Blodgett isotherms, demonstrating both the steric area, as well as the electrostatic area occupied by the dendrimer in a monolayer. Further studies into the rapid synthesis of such systems were also undertaken, with a particular interest in use of the so-called "click" reaction to be used as a facile means toward block copolymer synthesis. === by Kristoffer Keith Stokes. === Ph.D.