Gradient copolymer micelles: an introduction to structures as well as structural transitions

Abstract

Exhibiting variation of the composition along a chain, gradient copolymers bring new blood to the old story of polymeric micelles. The gradient chain structure results in some special features in micellar structures and leads to unique structural transitions, potentially leading to new properties and applications. Henceforth, gradient copolymer micellar structures and their transitions from the viewpoint of soft matter physics will be reviewed. Concepts such as a diffuse interface, shrinkage–stretching of micelles, and intrinsic temperature responsiveness are summarized from current research, which highlight new characteristic structures, relaxation modes and novel properties of micelles, respectively.