This thesis focuses on expanding the scope of self-assembled polymeric nanostructures and their morphology transitions in response to a variety of applied stimuli. Chapter One gives an introduction to the main concepts and techniques used throughout the thesis. Chapter Two utilises a pH-deprotectable protected acid, incorporated into a diblock copolymer, in order to induce a morphology change in response to a change in pH. In addition, the effect of the hydrophilicity of the end group upon self-assembly is investigated. Chapter Three investigates a reversible pH-responsive system to induce a reversible vesicle to micelle morphology transition. This was achieved via the synthesis of an activated ester polymeric scaffold and the post-polymerisation introduction of backbone and end group functionality. Different end groups are investigated, along with the effect the molecular weight of the polymer has on the speed of transition. In addition, the controlled release of a hydrophilic payload is demonstrated. Chapter Four focuses on the incorporation of hydrophilic blocks, hydrophobic blocks or a combination of the two into sulfobetaine methacrylate containing polymers. The synthesis of these polymers by RAFT polymerisation is discussed and the polymers are thoroughly characterised by 1H NMR spectroscopy, SEC, SLS and multi-angle DLS. Chapter Five investigates the self-assembly and thermo-responsive behaviour of the polymers synthesised in Chapter Four. The subtle differences between the polymers and the effect of these differences on the responsive behaviour are highlighted. In addition the self-assembly of a thermo- pH- and CO2- triply-responsive triblock copolymer is discussed. Chapter Six investigates the synthesis and polymerisation behaviour of a sulfobetaine acrylate, in comparison to the sulfobetaine methacrylate observed in Chapter Four.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:bl.uk/oai:ethos.bl.uk:629100 |
| Date | January 2014 |
| Creators | Doncom, Kay E. B. |
| Publisher | University of Warwick |
| Source Sets | Ethos UK |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Electronic Thesis or Dissertation |
| Source | http://wrap.warwick.ac.uk/63673/ |
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