Abstract
Supramolecular block copolymers (PS-DAT-sb-PI-Thy) were synthesized via noncovalent hydrogen bonding between well-defined thymine end-functionalized polyisoprene (PI-Thy) and diaminotriazine (DAT) end-functionalized polystyrene (PS-DAT). Three covalently linked block copolymers were also synthesized for comparison with the noncovalent supramolecular block copolymers. The complementary DAT/Thy interaction resulted in the microphase separation of the supramolecular block copolymer system. Detailed characterization of all functionalized homopolymers and block copolymers was carried out via proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR) spectroscopy, gel permeation chromatography, matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionizationtime of flight mass spectrometry, and differential scanning calorimetry. The self-assembly process of supramolecular block copolymers was evidenced by transmission electron microscopy. Small-angle X-ray scattering was also performed to study the microphase separation of supramolecular and covalently linked block copolymers. Comparison of microphase separation images of supramolecular block copolymers and the corresponding covalently linked analogues reveals differences in d-spacing and microdomain shape.
| Original language | English (US) |
|---|---|
| Journal | Macromolecules |
| DOIs | |
| State | Published - Jul 22 2020 |
Bibliographical note
KAUST Repository Item: Exported on 2020-10-01Acknowledgements: The research reported in this publication was supported by King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST). The authors are grateful to Professors Edwin Thomas (Rice University, USA) and George Floudas (University of Ioannina, Greece) for the SAXS measurements
and discussions, as well as to Dr. George Zapsas for assisting in recording the TEM images.