Thermogels based on block versus gradient terpolymers: differences in the nano- and macro-scale
Author(s)
Type
Journal Article
Abstract
In the present study, the effect of the distribution of repeated units in copolymers based on oligo(ethylene glycol) methyl ether methacrylate (A), n-butyl methacrylate (B), and di(ethylene glycol) methyl ether methacrylate (C) is reported and discussed for the first time. Several linear structures have been synthesized via group transfer polymerization, varying from statistical to gradient to block structures. Notably, among the other linear architectures, we report the one-pot synthesis of a forced gradient terpolymer and the investigation of its thermoresponsive and gelation properties. It is proven that the distribution of repeated units along the polymer chain governs the solubility and gelation of the copolymers, with the ABC and gradient structures being the best-performing. The self-assembled structures and aggregation mechanisms differ strongly for the ABC triblock and the gradient terpolymer, as revealed by synchrotron small-angle X-ray scattering. The promising results of the gradient structure open a new era for designing novel copolymers with potential applications in the biomedical sector.
Date Issued
2025-09-09
Date Acceptance
2025-08-14
Citation
Macromolecules, 2025, 58 (17), pp.9122-9139
ISSN
0024-9297
Publisher
American Chemical Society
Start Page
9122
End Page
9139
Journal / Book Title
Macromolecules
Volume
58
Issue
17
Copyright Statement
© 2025 The Authors. Published by American Chemical Society. This publication is licensed under CC-BY 4.0 .
License URL
Publication Status
Published
Date Publish Online
2025-08-26