Self-assembly of polystyrene-b-poly(2-vinylpyridine)-b-poly(ethylene oxide) triblock terpolymers. (March 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Musteata, Valentina; Sutisna, Burhannudin; Polymeropoulos, Georgios; Avgeropoulos, Apostolos; Meneau, Florian; Peinemann, Klaus-Viktor; Hadjichristidis, Nikos; Nunes, Suzana P.
• Is Part Of: European polymer journal. Volume 100(2018)
• Page Start: 121
• Page End: 131
• Publication Date: 2018-03
• Subjects: Block-copolymers -- Saxs -- Rheology -- Self-assembly -- Electron microscopy; Polymers -- Periodicals; Polymerization -- Periodicals; Polymères -- Périodiques; Polymérisation -- Périodiques; Polymerization; Polymers; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 547.705
• DOI: 10.1016/j.eurpolymj.2017.10.016
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0014-3057

Abstract

Graphical abstract: Highlights: Synthesis of PS-b-P2VP-b-PEO triblock copolymers. SAXS and TEM characterization of equilibrium morphology. TEM and DLS characterization of diluted solutions. SAXS, Cryo-SEM and rheological investigation of semi-dilute solution. Correlation between order in solution and formation of isoporous films morphology. Abstract: Polystyrene- b -poly(2-vinylpyridine)- b -poly(ethylene oxide) (PS- b -P2VP- b -PEO) terpolymer is a versatile polymer to form isoporous films and membranes, due to the possibility of self-assembly control and the properties of the different blocks, such as the P2VP ability of complexation, and H-bond formation, and the PEO biocompatibility. Copolymers with different block ratios and sizes were synthesized. The correlation between their equilibrium bulk morphology, the self-assembly in dilute and semi-dilute solutions and the non-equilibrium porous structures of membranes, obtained by non-solvent induced phase separation, was investigated and discussed in detail. The characterization was performed by small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS), scanning (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Hexagonal, cubic and lamellar arrangements were observed. The preparation conditions were optimized and a regular, isoporous morphology, suitable for membrane application, was successfully obtained with PS80.5k - b -P2VP64.4k - b -PEO16.1k .