Structural Studies of Polymer Nano-Assemblies in Solution by Scattering Techniques

Abstract

Static light scattering, dynamic light scattering, and small - angle X - ray scattering are powerful tools to analyze structures of various polymer assemblies formed in solution. In this article, we brie fl y explain those experimental techniques along with their historical background, and review their applications to the following polymer solution systems: ( 1 ) associating homopolymer solutions, ( 2 ) aqueous solutions of the polyanion – polycation mixture forming polyion complex colloids, ( 3 ) block copolymer solutions forming polymer micelles of various morphologies, ( 4 ) aqueous solutions of amphiphilic random and alternating copolymers forming the fl ower micelle or fl ower necklace, and ( 5 ) aqueous solutions of the globular protein – surfactant mixture. Di ff erent scattering techniques are combined with other experimental and theoretical methods to provide more detailed structural information.