An asymmetric A–B–A′ metallo-supramolecular triblock copolymer linked by Ni2+–bis-terpyridine complexes at one junction. Issue 5 (10th December 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Li, Haixia; Wei, Wei; Xiong, Huiming
• Is Part Of: Soft matter. Volume 12:Issue 5(2016)
• Page Start: 1411
• Page End: 1418
• Publication Date: 2015-12-10
• Subjects: Soft condensed matter -- Periodicals; 530.413
• DOI: 10.1039/c5sm02639c
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1744-683X

Abstract

Abstract : Asymmetry in SIS triblock copolymers held by a metallo-supramolecular bond at one junction comes with self-healing elastomer behavior. Abstract : A metallo-supramolecular triblock copolymer polystyrene- b -polyisoprene–[Ni 2+ ]–polystyrene (SI–[Ni 2+ ]–S′) has been efficiently prepared using a one-pot, two-step procedure, where the blocks are held by bis-terpyridine complexes at the junction of SI–S′. This specific metallo-supramolecular chemistry is demonstrated to be a robust approach to potentially broaden the diversity of block copolymers. The location of the metal–ligand complexes has a profound influence on the phase separation of the triblock copolymer in the bulk, which results in a distinctive phase segregation between the end blocks and leads to an unexpected asymmetry of the triblock copolymer. The metal–ligand complexes are found to be preferentially located on the adjacent spherical domain and form a core–shell structure. The resulting multiphase material exhibits distinct elastomeric properties with significant toughness and creep recovery behavior. This type of triblock copolymer is anticipated to be a novel class of hybrid thermo-plastic elastomeric material with wide tunability and functionality.