Random Block Copolymers via Segment Interchange Olefin Metathesis

Tandem metathesis depolymerization and cyclopolymerization toward flexible-rigid block copolymer with unique damping properties

Metathesis depolymerization (MDP) of natural rubber (NR) was readily conducted to afford depolymerized NR (dNRx) bearing the living chain end, which can initiate metathesis cyclopolymerization (MCP) of 1,6-heptadiyne monomers to...

Multiblock Copolymers of Norbornene and Cyclododecene: Chain Structure and Properties

We investigate the structure-property relations of the multiblock copolymers of norbornene with cyclododecene synthesized via the macromolecular cross-metathesis reaction between amorphous polynorbornene and semicrystalline polydodecenamer in the presence of the first-generation Grubbs catalyst. By adjusting the reaction time, catalyst amount, and composition of the initial system, we obtain a set of statistical multiblock copolymers that differ in the composition and average length of norbornene and dodecenylene unit sequences. Structural, thermal, and mechanical characterization of the copolymers with NMR, XRD, DSC (including thermal fractionation by successive self-nucleation and annealing), and rotational rheology allows us to relate the reaction conditions to the average length of crystallizable unit sequences, thicknesses of corresponding lamellas, and temperatures of their melting. We demonstrate that isolated dodecenylene units can be incorporated into crystalline lamellas so that even nearly random copolymers should retain crystallinity. Weak high-temperature endotherms observed in the multiblock copolymers of norbornene with cyclododecene and other cycloolefins could indicate that the corresponding systems are microphase-separated in the melt state.

Facile synthesis of norbornene–ethylene–vinyl acetate/vinyl alcohol multiblock copolymers by the olefin cross-metathesis of polynorbornene with poly(5-acetoxy-1-octenylene)

New norbornene−ethylene–vinyl acetate/vinyl alcohol multiblock copolymers are synthesized via the olefin cross-metathesis reaction of polynorbornene with poly(5-acetoxy-1-octenylene) followed by CC bond hydrogenation and acetoxy group deprotection.

Polymer chain editing: functionality “knock-in”, “knock-out” and replacement via cross metathesis reaction and thiol-Michael addition

Inspired by the gene editing process, chain editing of synthetic polymers, including functionality “knock-out”, “knock-in” and replacement, was performed through cross metathesis and thiol-Michael addition.

Olefin metathesis in multiblock copolymer synthesis

Multiblock copolymers constitute a basis for an emerging class of nanomaterials that combine various functional properties with durability and enhanced mechanical characteristics. Our mini-review addresses synthetic approaches to the design of multiblock copolymers from unsaturated monomers and polymers using olefin metathesis reactions and other ways of chemical modification across double C=C bonds. The main techniques, actively developed during the last decade and discussed here, are the coupling of end-functionalized blocks, sequential ring-opening metathesis polymerization, and cross metathesis between unsaturated polymers, or macromolecular cross metathesis. The last topic attracts special interest due to its relative simplicity and broad opportunities to tailor the structure and hence the properties of the copolymer products. Whenever possible, we analyze the structure-property relations for multiblock copolymers and point to their possible practical applications.

One-pot synthesis of semicrystalline/amorphous multiblock copolymers via divinyl-terminated telechelic polyolefins

A simple, one-pot approach to synthesize random semicrystalline/amorphous multiblock copolymers (12-17 blocks per chain on average) is demonstrated that takes advantage of acyclic diene metathesis (ADMET) polymerization of α,ω-divinyl-terminated telechelic polyolefins. This synthetic approach offers a generic, viable and economical route to polyolefin-based multiblock copolymers and may be extendable to broader families of multiblock materials.

Regioselective cross metathesis for block and heterotelechelic polymer synthesis

Cross metathesis of polymers made from 3-substituted cyclooctene derivatives produce regio- and stereoregular block and hetereotelechelic polymers.

In situ compatibilisation of alkenyl-terminated polymer blends using cross metathesis

A whiff of diblocks is enough! Straightforward coupling of two vinyl-terminated macromolecules was achieved by cross metathesis (CM) using Grubbs' second-generation catalyst (G2) giving access to a diversity of “self-compatibilised” polymer blends. Solution blends, in the absence of G2, showed clear macrophase separation while metathesized samples no longer did. A small fraction of diblocks only proved to act as an excellent compatibilizer.