A simple route to prepare supramolecular block copolymers using telechelic polystyrene/polydimethylsiloxane pairs. Issue 4 (30th October 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Güillen Obando, Alejandro; Chen, Yuwei; Qiang, Zhe
• Is Part Of: Polymer international. Volume 71:Issue 4(2022)
• Page Start: 470
• Page End: 477
• Publication Date: 2021-10-30
• Subjects: end group removal -- RAFT -- ionic interactions -- polymer blends -- PDMS; Plastics -- Periodicals; Polymers -- Periodicals; Polymerization -- Periodicals; 547.7
• DOI: 10.1002/pi.6312
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0959-8103

Abstract

Abstract: While supramolecular block copolymer (BCP) self‐assembly has been widely studied over the past decades as an effective means to generate functional nanomaterials, most of these systems require multiple steps of synthesis and processing. In this report, we introduce a facile approach to form linear multiblock copolymers by directly blending telechelic homopolymer pairs, using di‐sulfonated polystyrene and commercially available, aminopropyl terminated polydimethylsiloxane. A series of model multiblock copolymers were prepared, in which proton transfers between polymer chain ends enable the formation of strong ionic associations. These ionic junctions not only significantly enhance thin film stability of polymer blends by forming higher molecular weight copolymers, but also improve the chemical incompatibility between different segments, resulting in ordered nanostructures upon self‐assembly. These include different morphologies such as lamellae and cylinders. We also demonstrate that feature size of these BCPs can be adjusted by varying the molecular weight of the homopolymers, with a smallest domain spacing of approximately 12.9 nm being obtained. Utilizing low‐cost and widely available polymers as building blocks, our simple and efficient supramolecular assembly strategy for forming multiblock copolymers may provide a promising platform for cost‐efficient nanomanufacturing of polymeric materials. © 2021 Society of Industrial Chemistry. Abstract : Supramolecular assembly of telechelic homopolymer pairs provides a simple approach to generate ordered nanostructures by forming multiblock copolymers via proton transfers between polymer end groups. This strategy leads to control over pattern size and morphology by altering the molecular weight of each component.