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The Origin of Hierarchical Structure Formation in Highly Grafted Symmetric Supramolecular Double‐Comb Diblock Copolymers
Author(s) -
Hofman Anton H.,
Reza Mehedi,
Ruokolainen Janne,
ten Brinke Gerrit,
Loos Katja
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
macromolecular rapid communications
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.348
H-Index - 154
eISSN - 1521-3927
pISSN - 1022-1336
DOI - 10.1002/marc.201700288
Subject(s) - copolymer , supramolecular chemistry , materials science , amphiphile , polymer chemistry , self assembly , macromolecule , hydrogen bond , phase (matter) , molecule , nanotechnology , chemistry , polymer , organic chemistry , composite material , biochemistry
Involving supramolecular chemistry in self‐assembling block copolymer systems enables design of complex macromolecular architectures that, in turn, could lead to complex phase behavior. It is an elegant route, as complicated and sensitive synthesis techniques can be avoided. Highly grafted double‐comb diblock copolymers based on symmetric double hydrogen bond accepting poly(4‐vinylpyridine)‐ block ‐poly( N ‐acryloylpiperidine) diblock copolymers and donating 3‐nonadecylphenol amphiphiles are realized and studied systematically by changing the molecular weight of the copolymer. Double perpendicular lamellae‐ in ‐lamellae are formed in all complexes, independent of the copolymer molecular weight. Temperature‐resolved measurements demonstrate that the supramolecular nature and ability to crystallize are responsible for the formation of such multiblock‐like structures. Because of these driving forces and severe plasticization of the complexes in the liquid crystalline state, this supramolecular approach can be useful for steering self‐assembly of both low‐ and high‐molecular‐weight block copolymer systems.