화학공학소재연구정보센터
Journal of Physical Chemistry B, Vol.103, No.47, 10331-10334, 1999
Directly resolved core-corona structure of block copolymer micelles by cryo-transmission electron microscopy
Core-corona structures of poly(ethyleneoxide)/polybutadiene (PEO/PB) block copolymer micelles are directly resolved for the first time by examining rapidly vitrified samples by transmission electron microscopy at liquid nitrogen temperature (Cryo-TEM). Spherical micelles form at higher PEO/PB block volume ratio; cylindrical form at lower block volume ratio. Images of both shapes of micelles show a dense core and a diffuse corona. The core and corona sizes agree well with theoretical prediction from the "star" model of polymer micelles.