Preparation of well-defined 2D-lenticular aggregates by self-assembly of PNIPAM-b-PVDF amphiphilic diblock copolymers in solution. Issue 10 (25th November 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Folgado, Enrique; Mayor, Matthias; Cot, Didier; Ramonda, Michel; Godiard, Franck; Ladmiral, Vincent; Semsarilar, Mona
• Is Part Of: Polymer chemistry. Volume 12:Issue 10(2021)
• Page Start: 1465
• Page End: 1475
• Publication Date: 2020-11-25
• Subjects: Polymers -- Periodicals; Macromolecules -- Periodicals; Polymerization -- Periodicals; 547.705
• DOI: 10.1039/d0py01193b
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1759-9954

Abstract

Abstract : PNIPAM- b -PVDF amphiphilic block copolymers were synthesized via RAFT polymerization in dimethyl carbonate. These block copolymers were able to self-assemble into various morphologies such as spherical, crumpled, lamellar and lenticular 2D aggregates. Abstract : PNIPAM- b -PVDF (poly( N -isopropylacrylamide)- b -poly(vinylidene fluoride)) amphiphilic block copolymers (BCPs) were synthesized via RAFT polymerization from PNIPAM macromolecular chain transfer agents (macro-CTAs). PNIPAM was used as it is one of the few hydrophilic polymers soluble in dimethyl carbonate (DMC) and which can be synthesized using a xanthate CTA with relatively good control. The polymerizations were conducted at 73 °C in DMC using two PNIPAM macro-CTAs of different molar masses and targeting various DPs for the PVDF block. The RAFT polymerization of VDF resulted in relatively well-defined BCPs ( Đ ≤ 1.50). These amphiphilic BCPs were able to self-assemble into various morphologies such as spherical, crumpled, lamellar and lenticular 2D aggregates by changing the common solvent or the self-assembly protocol. The size of the aggregates could be controlled by varying the DP of the PVDF block. The polymers were characterized by 1 H and 19 F NMR, SEC, TGA and DSC, and the assembled structures were studied by TEM, SEM and AFM. The thermosensitive behavior of the 2D lenticular aggregates was also examined.