SDS triggered transformation of highly hydrophobic Pluronics® nanoaggregate into polymer-rich and surfactant-rich mixed micelles

This work reveals the role of sodium dodecylsulphate (SDS, anionic surfactant) in altering the phase behaviour and aggregation characteristics of five very hydrophobic polyethylene oxide-polypropylene oxide-polyethylene oxide (PEO-PPO-PEO) triblock copolymers containing 10% PEO but with different molecular weight. These copolymers are molecularly dissolved in water at ≤15–20 °C and exist as unstable vesicular structure at temperature close to...