Association of sidechain polymers: The self-consistent field approach

The formation of micelles by low molecular weight, comblike polymers in aqueous solutions is studied. The polymers considered have both hydrophobic and hydrophilic side chains. A self-consistent field method is used to obtain the distribution of the backbone around the hydrophobic core. Spherical and lamellar micelles are considered in detail. A characteristic polymer molecule size is found, beyond which spherical micelles are not possible for strongly hydrophilic sidechains. The free energy of the micelle is calculated and used to determine the type of micelles that actually form. For uncharged polymers, lamellar micelles are formed almost exclusively.