ABC Supramolecular Triblock Copolymer by ROMP and ATRP

Diane S. Lye, Yan Xia, Madeleine Z. Wong, Yufeng Wang, Mu Ping Nieh, Marcus Weck

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

We report the controlled polymerization of three heterotelechelic polymers from supramolecular motif-bearing initiators, their assembly into supramolecular A/B/C triblock copolymers, the morphology of the resulting block copolymers, and their disassembly. The individual blocks are synthesized in a controlled or living fashion via ring-opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP) of norbornenes (block B) or atom-transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) of styrenes (block A) and methacrylates (block C). The building blocks are assembled via metal-coordination between blocks A and B using a palladated SCS pincer complex and pyridine, and hydrogen bonding between blocks B and C using Hamilton Wedge and barbituric acid derivatives. Scanning-transmission electron microscopy and small-angle X-ray scattering reveal lamellar domains of approximately 23, 15, and 21 nm for bulk samples of the A/B and B/C diblock copolymers and A/B/C triblock copolymers, with 1:1 and 1:1:1 block feed ratios, respectively. Nanoscale features are destroyed when the materials are exposed to dimethylformamide and/or triphenylphospine, removing noncovalent linkages between individual blocks.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)4244-4255
Number of pages12
JournalMacromolecules
Volume50
Issue number11
DOIs
StatePublished - Jun 13 2017

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Organic Chemistry
  • Polymers and Plastics
  • Inorganic Chemistry
  • Materials Chemistry

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