Geometry of micelles with two hydrophobic compartments

We discuss a "comb block copolymer" with a hydrophilic backbone (N polar he ads), Nf/2 side chains of type A, and Nf/2 side chains of type B. imposing an area per head and a volume per side chain, we predict various conformati ons based on two spherical portions. In certain cases, two distinct conform ations are permitted by this criterion: the best one should minimise the A/ B interfacial energy We also discuss "multiplets" (p polymers per double mi celle) and "necklaces" (k double micelles for one polymer chain). (C) Acade mie des sciences/Elsevier, Paris.