Amphiphilic polyethylenes leading to surfactant-free thermoresponsive nanoparticles

Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), dynamic light scattering (DLS) and high sensitivity differential scanning calorimetry (HS-DSC) were used to characterize the linear copolymers of ethylene and acrylic acid (PEAA) nanoparticles prepared by catalytic polymerization of ethylene and tert-butyl acrylate followed by hydrolysis of the ester groups. The PEAA nanoparticles which dispersed in aqueous media exhibited a remarkable reversible thermoresponsive behavior upon heating/cooling from 25 to 80 degree [Celsius].