Solution Behavior and Self-Assembly of Complexes from Poly(α-methylstyrene)-block-poly(N-ethyl-4-vinylpyridinium) Cations and Aerosol OT Anions

The solution behavior of stoichiometric complexes from poly(α-methylstyrene)- block -poly( N -ethyl-4-vinypyridinium) cations (PMeS- b -PE4VP) and bis(2-ethylhexyl)sulfosuccinate (AOT) anions in a variety of organic solvents with low polarity is characterized. These complexes as well as the stoichiometric complexes between homopolymer poly( N -ethyl-4-vinypyridinium) cations (PE4VP) and AOT were soluble in most common organic solvents except aliphatic hydrocarbons. Both PMeS- b -PE4VP- and PE4VP-based complexes dissolve in hexane in the presence of small amounts of mixed methanol−ethyl ether cosolvent. The PMeS- b -PE4VP/AOT complex forms stable micelle-like aggregates with an effective diameter of ca. 70 nm under these conditions. Such aggregates are not observed in the solutions of the PE4VP/AOT complex. PMeS segments in the PMeS- b -PE4VP/AOT complex segregate into an insoluble core, while the PE4VP segments bound with AOT stabilize these particles in solution. Such a type of morphology has not been described and is unique for polymer−surfactant complexes.