| Abstract
| - A series of novel triblock copolymers of poly(stearyl methacrylate)-b-poly(N-isopropylacrylamide)-b-poly(stearyl methacrylate) (PSMA-b-PNIPAAm-b-PSMA) with different molecular weights was synthesized throughcarboxyl-terminated trithiocarbonates as a highly efficient RAFT agent via reversible addition−fragmentationchain transfer (RAFT) polymerization. The resultant polymers were characterized by 1H NMR, FT-IRspectroscopy, and GPC. By varying the organic solvent used in the self-assembly procedure and adjustingthe copolymer composition, multiple morphologies ranging from vesicles and core−shell spherical aggregateswith different dimensions to pearl-necklace-like aggregates were obtained. The aggregates showed thermoresponsive and pH-responsive properties through the lower critical solution temperature (LCST) of PNIPAAmand the two carboxyl end groups of the copolymer.
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