Micellisation and gelation of triblock copolymer of ethylene oxide and ε-caprolactone, CLnEmCLn, in aqueous solution

Abstract

Three triblock copolymers of ethylene oxide and ε-caprolactone, nominally CL₂E₉₀CL₂, CL₄E₉₀CL₄ and CL₆E₉₀CL₆ have been prepared and characterised. The micellar and surface properties in aqueous solution of the copolymers with CL-block lengths of four and six were investigated as a function of temperature and concentration using surface tension and static and dynamic light scattering techniques. Reversible gelation on cooling solutions of CL₆E₉₀CL₆ was observed at critical concentrations and temperatures ranging from 130 g kg^–1 at 25 °C to 300 g kg^–1, at 80 °C.