Unravelling a Novel Sol-Gel Transition Mechanism in Polymer Self-Assemblies: An Order-Order Transition Based on Specific Molecular Interactions Between Hydrophilic and Hydrophobic Polymer Blocks

Using a wide range of state-of-the art analytical techniques and molecular dynamics simulation, a novel mechanism for macromolecular interactions are described. Distinct interactions between the hydrophilic and hydrophobic blocks in amphiphilic triblock copolymers lead to an order-order transition from spherical micelles to worm-like micelles upon cooling the aqueous polymer solutions below room temperature. Macroscopically, this this leads to reversible gelation. This novel mechanism represent a novel building block to better understand polymer self-assembly.