Work

Design and Synthesis of Network-Forming Triblock Copolymers Using Tapered Block Interfaces

Year: 2012

Type: article

Abstract: We report a strategy for generating novel dual-tapered poly(isoprene-b-isoprene/styrene-b-styrene-b-styrene/methyl methacrylate-b-methyl methacrylate) [P(I-IS-S-SM-M)] triblock copolymers that combines anionic polymerization, atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP), and Huisgen 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition click chemistry. The tapered interfaces between blocks were synthesized via a semi-batch feed using programmable syringe pumps. This strategy allows us to manipulate the transition region between copolymer blocks in triblock copolymers providing control over the interfacial interactions in our nanoscale phase-separated materials independent of molecular weight and block constituents. Additionally, we show the ability to retain a desirous and complex multiply-continuous network structure (alternating gyroid) in our dual-tapered triblock material.

Source: ACS Macro Letters

DOI: 10.1021/mz3000804

Authors: Wei-Fan Kuan, Raghunath Roy, Lixia Rong, Benjamin S. Hsiao, Thomas H. Epps

Institutions: University of Delaware, Stony Brook University

Language: English

Topic: Advanced Polymer Synthesis and Characterization

Subfield: Organic Chemistry

Field: Chemistry

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: green

Funder: National Center for Research Resources

Award: Molecular Design of Advanced Biomaterials