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(Reference retrieved automatically from Web of Science through information on FAPESP grant and its corresponding number as mentioned in the publication by the authors.)

The Link Between Self-Assembly and Molecular Conformation of Amphiphilic Block Copolymers Monolayers at the Air/Water Interface: The Spreading Parameter

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Author(s):
Li Destri, Giovanni [1] ; Malfatti Gasperini, Antonio A. [2] ; Konovalov, Oleg [1]
Total Authors: 3
Affiliation:
[1] ESRF European Synchrotron, F-38000 Grenoble - France
[2] CNPEM, Brazilian Synchrotron Light Lab, BR-13083970 Campinas, SP - Brazil
Total Affiliations: 2
Document type: Journal article
Source: Langmuir; v. 31, n. 32, p. 8856-8864, AUG 18 2015.
Web of Science Citations: 15
Abstract

Two amphiphilic block copolymers, namely polystyrene-b-poly(methyl-methacrylate) (PS-b-PMMA), at the air/water interface were studied combining the in situ structural characterization, by means of X-ray reflectivity (XRR) and grazing incidence small-angle X-ray scattering (GISAXS), and the ex situ morphological one, by atomic force microscopy (AFM). We observed that the conformation of the hydrophilic block spread on the water surface is dramatically influenced by the morphology of the monolayer. Our results showed that the hydrophilic PMMA block adopts an expanded conformation when thermodynamically stable nanodots are formed, whereas a coiled conformation is observed when the block copolymer formed kinetically frozen nanostrands. This effect is interpreted in terms of the spreading parameter, which changes with the relative length ratio between the two blocks. Finally, we proved that, even for block copolymer monolayer with fixed block length ratio, it is possible to change the morphology, and in turn the conformation of the hydrophilic block, by changing the spreading parameter value. (AU)

FAPESP's process: 11/19952-6 - STRUCTURAL CHARACTERIZATION OF AMPHIPHILIC SYSTEMS WITH INDUSTRIAL APPLICATION USING SMALL ANGLE X RAY SCATTERING AND COMPLEMENTARY TECHNIQUES
Grantee:Antonio Augusto Malfatti Gasperini
Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral
FAPESP's process: 13/13149-2 - Techniques for Langmuir monolayer characterization using synchrotron radiation
Grantee:Antonio Augusto Malfatti Gasperini
Support Opportunities: Scholarships abroad - Research Internship - Post-doctor