Synthesis of PNIPAM-co-MBAA copolymer nanotubes with composite control

We report the preparation of copolymer, poly(N-isopropylacrylamide)-co-(N,N'-methylenebisacrylamide) (PNIPAM-co-MBAA) nanotubes with different composite ratios through surface-initiated atom transfer radical polymerization using a porous anodic aluminum oxide membrane as a template. It is found that the tubular wall strongly depends on the monomer concentration. The composite-induced changes in dimension and shape of nanotubes, especially the wall thickness, were studied by scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, atom force microscopy, FT-IR, and gel permeation chromatography. The PNIPAM-co-MBAA nanotubes exhibit a high flexibility and stability.