A series of diblock copolymers E,oBn, with n in the range 3 to 16, was prepared by sequential anionic polymerization, and the association behavior of the copolymers in aqueous solution was investigated, as was the gelation of their concentrated micellar solutions. At temperatures in the range 30-50 'C, a minimum B-block length of four to five units was required for micellization. Gelation of micellar solutions of the copolymers was observed for copolymers with B-block lengths of six to seven units or more. The relationships between (i) standard Gibbs energy of micellization and molecular characteristics and (ii) critical gelation concentration and micellar characteristics were explored.
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