Self-assembly structures of amphiphilic multiblock copolymer in dilute solution

We study the influence of solvent conditions and the chain backbone stiffness of an amphiphilic multiblock copolymer on its self-assembly structures in dilute solution with Brownian dynamics simulations. Various interesting structures, such as single-flower micelle, multi-flower micelle, and single or multi-bridge structures, are observed. In general, highly hydrophobic components benefit the formation of flower micelle structures, while semi-flexible chains are prone to forming bridge structures. We also study the influence of the ratio between hydrophobic and hydrophilic components on self-assembly structures. From our phase diagram, we find that a high component ratio for the hydrophobic blocks favors the formation of micelles with various structural patterns. A single to multi-flower transition is observed by increasing the chain length of the multiblock copolymer. Well-defined multicompartment wormlike micelles can be obtained from pre-assembled flower micelles in a solvent that is poor for both components.