Quasi-Block Copolymers Based on a General Polymeric Chain Stopper.
Quasi-block copolymers (q-BCPs) are block copolymers consisting of conventional and supramolecular blocks, in which the conventional block is end-terminated by a functionality that interacts with the supramolecular monomer (a "chain stopper" functionality). A new design of q-BCPs based on a general polymeric chain stopper, which consists of polystyrene end-terminated with a sulfonate group (PS-SO3 Li), is described. Through viscosity measurements and a detailed diffusion-ordered NMR spectroscopy study, it is shown that PS-SO3 Li can effectively cap two types of model supramolecular monomers to form q-BCPs in solution. Furthermore, differential scanning calorimetry data and structural characterization of thin films by scanning force microscopy suggests the existence of the q-BCP architecture in the melt. The new design considerably simplifies the synthesis of polymeric chain stoppers; thus promoting the utilization of q-BCPs as smart, nanostructured materials.
Institute of Chemistry and the Center for, Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Edmond J. Safra Campus, Givat Ram, Jerusalem, 9190401, Israel.
Rajashekharayya A
RA
Sanguramath
Institute for Molecular Engineering, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA.
Paul F
PF
Nealey
Institute of Chemistry and the Center for, Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Edmond J. Safra Campus, Givat Ram, Jerusalem, 9190401, Israel. roys@huji.ac.il.
Roy
http://orcid.org/0000-0002-0631-1542
R
Shenhar
block copolymers; diffusion-ordered NMR spectroscopy; self-assembly; supramolecular chemistry; supramolecular polymers