Synthesis, characterization, and self-assembly of linear poly(ethylene oxide)-block-poly(propylene oxide)-block-poly(ε-caprolactone) (PEO-PPO-PCL) copolymers

► A series of amphiphilic copolymers has been synthesized. ► PEO-PPO-PCL showed higher solubilizing ability and lower critical micelle concentrations than Me-PEO-PPO. ► The transformation of aggregate structure of PEO-PPO-PCL with the increase in concentration was deduced. ► The thermo-effective aggregation behavior of amphiphilic copolymers was investigated.