Complex micelle formation between poly(ethylene oxide-b-N-methyl-2-vinylpyridinium iodide) and poly(methacrylic acid) in aqueous solutions

Complex micelles are prepared from poly(ethylene oxide-b-N-methyl-2-vinylpyridinium iodide) (PEO-b-P2VPQ), one of double-hydrophilic block copolymers, and poly(methacrylic acid) (PMAA) in aqueous solutions. The formation of the complex micelles is due to the insolubilization of the cationic P2VPQ block of PEO-b-P2VPQ with anionic PMAA. The complex micelles are characterized by various techniques including ζ-potential measurements, dynamic light scattering, fluorescence spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy. It is revealed that the micelles have spherical morphology with hydrodynamic diameter ranging from ca. 69 to 80 nm and that the hydrodynamic diameter depends on the conditions such as polymer concentration and ionic strength.