Abstract
Novel polymeric betaine based on tridecylaminocrotonate and methacrylic acid was synthesized by Michael addition reaction. The obtained products were abbreviated as CROtriDA-MAA and with respect to its potassium salt as CROtriDA-MAA-K. The structure of CROtriDA-MAA was established by 1H NMR and FTIR spectroscopy. The hydrodynamic, molecular and conformational properties of CROtriDA-MAA-K in solutions and morphology in solid state were evaluated by methods of GPC, DLS, zeta-potential, surface enhanced ellipsoidal microscopy (SEEC), optical microscopy. Meanwhile, the long alkyl “tails” (tridecyl) located in side polymeric chains are responsible for self-assembling behavior. Several types of self-assembled structures in water at different pH and in water-DMSO mixture were observed. The dendritic structure with wide trunks and few side branches is formed at pH 3. The “Maltese cross-like” aggregates were found at pH 6.5. The tree-like fractal patterns are formed at pH 12. The self-assembled coiled-ribbon-like and tubular-like aggregates were observed in water-DMSO mixtures.