1
|
Bačová P, Mintis DG, Gkolfi E, Harmandaris V. Mikto-Arm Stars as Soft-Patchy Particles: From Building Blocks to Mesoscopic Structures. Polymers (Basel) 2021; 13:1114. [PMID: 33915849 PMCID: PMC8037958 DOI: 10.3390/polym13071114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2021] [Revised: 03/26/2021] [Accepted: 03/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
We present an atomistic molecular dynamics study of self-assembled mikto-arm stars, which resemble patchy-like particles. By increasing the number of stars in the system, we propose a systematic way of examining the mutual orientation of these fully penetrable patchy-like objects. The individual stars maintain their patchy-like morphology when creating a mesoscopic (macromolecular) self-assembled object of more than three stars. The self-assembly of mikto-arm stars does not lead to a deformation of the stars, and their shape remains spherical. We identified characteristic sub-units in the self-assembled structure, differing by the mutual orientation of the nearest neighbor stars. The current work aims to elucidate the possible arrangements of the realistic, fully penetrable patchy particles in polymer matrix and to serve as a model system for further studies of nanostructured materials or all-polymer nanocomposites using the mikto-arm stars as building blocks.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Petra Bačová
- Computation-Based Science and Technology Research Center, The Cyprus Institute, 20 Constantinou Kavafi Str., Nicosia 2121, Cyprus; (D.G.M.); (V.H.)
- Institute of Applied and Computational Mathematics (IACM), Foundation for Research and Technology Hellas (FORTH), GR-70013 Heraklion, Crete, Greece;
| | - Dimitris G. Mintis
- Computation-Based Science and Technology Research Center, The Cyprus Institute, 20 Constantinou Kavafi Str., Nicosia 2121, Cyprus; (D.G.M.); (V.H.)
| | - Eirini Gkolfi
- Institute of Applied and Computational Mathematics (IACM), Foundation for Research and Technology Hellas (FORTH), GR-70013 Heraklion, Crete, Greece;
- Department of Mathematics and Applied Mathematics, University of Crete, GR-70013 Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - Vagelis Harmandaris
- Computation-Based Science and Technology Research Center, The Cyprus Institute, 20 Constantinou Kavafi Str., Nicosia 2121, Cyprus; (D.G.M.); (V.H.)
- Institute of Applied and Computational Mathematics (IACM), Foundation for Research and Technology Hellas (FORTH), GR-70013 Heraklion, Crete, Greece;
- Department of Mathematics and Applied Mathematics, University of Crete, GR-70013 Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Moghimi E, Chubak I, Founta D, Ntetsikas K, Polymeropoulos G, Hadjichristidis N, Likos CN, Vlassopoulos D. The influence of arm composition on the self-assembly of low-functionality telechelic star polymers in dilute solutions. Colloid Polym Sci 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s00396-020-04742-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
AbstractWe combine synthesis, physical experiments, and computer simulations to investigate self-assembly patterns of low-functionality telechelic star polymers (TSPs) in dilute solutions. In particular, in this work, we focus on the effect of the arm composition and length on the static and dynamic properties of TSPs, whose terminal blocks are subject to worsening solvent quality upon reducing the temperature. We find two populations, single stars and clusters, that emerge upon worsening the solvent quality of the outer block. For both types of populations, their spatial extent decreases with temperature, with the specific details (such as temperature at which the minimal size is reached) depending on the coupling between inter- and intra-molecular associations as well as their strength. The experimental results are in very good qualitative agreement with coarse-grained simulations, which offer insights into the mechanism of thermoresponsive behavior of this class of materials.
Collapse
|
3
|
Bačová P, Glynos E, Anastasiadis SH, Harmandaris V. How Does the Number of Arms Affect the Properties of Mikto-Arm Stars in a Selective Oligomeric Matrix? Insights from Atomistic Simulations. ACS OMEGA 2021; 6:1138-1148. [PMID: 33490773 PMCID: PMC7818313 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.0c04167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2020] [Accepted: 11/17/2020] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
We present a simulation study of amphiphilic mikto-arm star copolymers in a selective polymer host. By means of atomistic molecular dynamics simulations, we examine the structural and dynamical properties of mikto-arm stars with varying number, n, of poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) and polystyrene (PS) arms, (PEO) n (PS) n in a 33% wt blend with an oligomeric PEO host (o-PEO). As the number of arms increases, the stars resemble more spherical particles with less separated PEO and PS intramolecular domains. As a result of their internal morphology and associated geometrical constraints, the mikto-arm stars self-assemble either into cylindrical-like objects or a percolated network with increasing n, within the o-PEO matrix. The segmental dynamics is mostly governed by the star architecture and the heterogeneous local environment, formed by the intra- and intermolecular nanosegregation. We discuss the role of each factor and compare the results with previously published studies on mikto-arm stars.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Petra Bačová
- Institute
of Applied and Computational Mathematics (IACM), Foundation for Research and Technology Hellas (FORTH), GR-70013 Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - Emmanouil Glynos
- Institute
of Electronic Structure and Laser, Foundation
for Research and Technology Hellas (FORTH), GR-70013 Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - Spiros H. Anastasiadis
- Institute
of Electronic Structure and Laser, Foundation
for Research and Technology Hellas (FORTH), GR-70013 Heraklion, Crete, Greece
- Department
of Chemistry, University of Crete, GR-70013 Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - Vagelis Harmandaris
- Institute
of Applied and Computational Mathematics (IACM), Foundation for Research and Technology Hellas (FORTH), GR-70013 Heraklion, Crete, Greece
- Department
of Mathematics and Applied Mathematics, University of Crete, GR-70013 Heraklion, Crete, Greece
- Computation-Based
Science and Technology Research Center, The Cyprus Institute, 20 Constantinou Kavafi Street, 2121 Nicosia, Cyprus
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Jaramillo-Cano D, Camargo M, Likos CN, Gârlea IC. Dynamical Properties of Concentrated Suspensions of Block Copolymer Stars in Shear Flow. Macromolecules 2020; 53:10015-10027. [PMID: 33335338 PMCID: PMC7735753 DOI: 10.1021/acs.macromol.0c01365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2020] [Revised: 10/02/2020] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Block copolymer stars (BCSs) have been demonstrated to constitute versatile, self-assembling building blocks with tunable softness, functionalization, and shape. We investigate the dynamical properties of suspensions of short-arm BCSs under linear shear flow by means of extensive particle-based multiscale simulations. We determine the properties of the system for representative values of monomer packing fraction ranging from semidilute to concentrate regimes. We systematically analyze the formed network structures as a function of both shear rate and packing fraction, the reorganization of solvophobic patches, and the corresponding radial correlation functions. Connecting our findings with rheology, we calculate the viscosity as a function of shear rate and discuss the implications of the found shear thinning behavior.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Diego Jaramillo-Cano
- Faculty of Physics, University of Vienna, Boltzmanngasse 5, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Manuel Camargo
- CICBA & FIMEB, Universidad Antonio Nariño, 760030 Cali, Colombia
| | - Christos N. Likos
- Faculty of Physics, University of Vienna, Boltzmanngasse 5, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Ioana C. Gârlea
- Faculty of Physics, University of Vienna, Boltzmanngasse 5, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Ventura Rosales IE, Rovigatti L, Bianchi E, Likos CN, Locatelli E. Shape control of soft patchy nanoparticles under confinement. NANOSCALE 2020; 12:21188-21197. [PMID: 33034608 DOI: 10.1039/d0nr05058j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Molecular building blocks undergoing a hierarchical assembly process form nano-scale objects which can further assemble into supramolecular structures. When the intermediate units have a limited valence in bonding, complex structures with tailored properties can be created. Here, we consider a composite, star-shaped particle made of f diblock copolymer chains uniformly grafted on a spherical colloid and investigate its first self-assembly stage both in the bulk and under lateral confinement. By means of numerical simulations, we show that, in the bulk, this system develops aggregates whose number and size depend on the temperature as well as on the relative ratio of solvophobic monomers. The emerging aggregates are referred to as patches and impart directionality in bonding to the complex particle. We further characterize how we can control, by changing the lateral confinement, the shape of the brush and the patch properties as a function of the distance between the confining walls. We find that the number of the patches can be determined by tuning the degree of confinement imposed on the particle. Finally, we employ a continuum mechanics model, known as the Liquid Drop Model, to gain insight into the elastic properties of the system. This theoretical approach allows to connect the patch properties to the elastic response of the composite particle.
Collapse
|
6
|
Computer simulations of comb-like macromolecules with responsive diblock copolymer side chains. Colloid Polym Sci 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s00396-020-04753-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
|
7
|
Bačová P, Glynos E, Anastasiadis SH, Harmandaris V. Spatio-temporal heterogeneities in nanosegregated single-molecule polymeric nanoparticles. SOFT MATTER 2020; 16:4584-4590. [PMID: 32309828 DOI: 10.1039/d0sm00079e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
The study of the coupling between structural and dynamical heterogeneities in nanostructured systems is essential for the design of hybrid materials with the desired properties. Here, we use atomistic molecular dynamics simulations to closely examine the dynamical heterogeneities in nanostructured single-molecule nanoparticles consisting of mikto-arm star copolymers with poly(ethylene oxide), PEO, and polystyrene, PS, arms. The particles exhibit an internally nanostructured morphology, resembling either "Janus-like" or "patchy-like" morphology when the functionality of the stars varies. The differences in the local environment result in strong intramolecular dynamical heterogeneities. In the proximity of the star core, geometric constraints promote unfavorable PEO:PS contacts that lead to a behavior similar to dynamically asymmetric miscible polymer blends or disordered copolymers. In contrast, further away from the core, the nanosegregation induces segmental dynamics very similar to the one found in the homopolymer star analogues.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Petra Bačová
- Institute of Applied and Computational Mathematics (IACM), Foundation for Research and Technology Hellas (FORTH), GR-70013 Heraklion, Crete, Greece.
| | - Emmanouil Glynos
- Institute of Electronic Structure and Laser, Foundation for Research and Technology Hellas (FORTH), GR-70013 Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - Spiros H Anastasiadis
- Institute of Electronic Structure and Laser, Foundation for Research and Technology Hellas (FORTH), GR-70013 Heraklion, Crete, Greece and Department of Chemistry, University of Crete, GR-70013 Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - Vagelis Harmandaris
- Institute of Applied and Computational Mathematics (IACM), Foundation for Research and Technology Hellas (FORTH), GR-70013 Heraklion, Crete, Greece. and Department of Mathematics and Applied Mathematics, University of Crete, GR-70013 Heraklion, Crete, Greece.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Abstract
AbstractThe self-assembly of Janus ring polymers is studied via a coarse-grained molecular dynamics employing a bead spring model including bending rigidity contributions to the Hamiltonian. We examine the formation and the morphology of amphiphilicity-driven clusters in the system using the number density ρN, the temperature T, the fraction of solvophobic monomers α, and the stiffness of the polymer rings κ as control parameters. We present a quantitative analysis of several characteristics for the formed clusters of Janus rings. Measured quantities include the distribution of the cluster size MC and the shape of the clusters in the form of the prolate/oblate factor Q and shape factors sf. We demonstrate Janus rings form polymorphic micelles that vary from a spherical shape, akin to that known for linear block copolymers, to a novel type of toroidal shape, and we highlight the role played by the key physical parameters leading to the stabilization of such structures.
Collapse
|
9
|
Moghimi E, Chubak I, Statt A, Howard MP, Founta D, Polymeropoulos G, Ntetsikas K, Hadjichristidis N, Panagiotopoulos AZ, Likos CN, Vlassopoulos D. Self-Organization and Flow of Low-Functionality Telechelic Star Polymers with Varying Attraction. ACS Macro Lett 2019; 8:766-772. [PMID: 35619517 DOI: 10.1021/acsmacrolett.9b00211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
We combine state-of-the art synthesis, simulations, and physical experiments to explore the tunable, responsive character of telechelic star polymers as models for soft patchy particles. We focus on the simplest possible system: a star comprising three asymmetric block copolymer arms with solvophilic inner and solvophobic outer blocks. Our dilute solution studies reveal the onset of a second slow mode in the intermediate scattering functions as the temperature decreases below the θ-point of the outer block, as well as the size reduction of single stars upon further decreasing temperature. Clusters comprising multiple stars are formed and their average dimensions, akin to the single star size, counterintuitively decrease upon cooling. A similar phenomenology is observed in simulations upon increasing attraction between the outer blocks and is rationalized as a result of the interplay between interstar associations and steric repulsion between the star cores. Since our simulations are able to describe the experimental findings reliably, we can use them with confidence to make predictions at conditions and flow regimes that are inaccessible experimentally. Specifically, we employ simulations to investigate flow properties of the system at high shear rates, revealing shear thinning behavior caused by the breakup of interstar associations under flow. On the other hand, the zero-shear viscosity obtained experimentally exhibits a rather weak activation energy, which increases upon rising star concentration. These findings demonstrate the unusual properties of telechelic star polymers even in the dilute regime. They also offer a powerful toolbox for designing soft patchy particles and exploring their unprecedented responsive properties further on.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Esmaeel Moghimi
- Institute of Electronic Structure and Laser, FORTH, Heraklion 71110, Crete, Greece
- Department of Materials Science and Technology, University of Crete, Heraklion 71003, Crete, Greece
| | - Iurii Chubak
- Faculty of Physics, University of Vienna, Boltzmanngasse 5, A-1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Antonia Statt
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey 08544, United States
| | - Michael P. Howard
- McKetta Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78712, United States
| | - Dimitra Founta
- Institute of Electronic Structure and Laser, FORTH, Heraklion 71110, Crete, Greece
- Department of Materials Science and Technology, University of Crete, Heraklion 71003, Crete, Greece
| | - George Polymeropoulos
- Physical Sciences and Engineering Division, KAUST Catalysis Center, Polymer Synthesis Laboratory, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal 23955, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Konstantinos Ntetsikas
- Physical Sciences and Engineering Division, KAUST Catalysis Center, Polymer Synthesis Laboratory, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal 23955, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Nikos Hadjichristidis
- Physical Sciences and Engineering Division, KAUST Catalysis Center, Polymer Synthesis Laboratory, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal 23955, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Christos N. Likos
- Faculty of Physics, University of Vienna, Boltzmanngasse 5, A-1090 Vienna, Austria
- Isaac Newton Institute for Mathematical Sciences, 20 Clarkson Road, Cambridge CB3 0EH, United Kingdom
| | - Dimitris Vlassopoulos
- Institute of Electronic Structure and Laser, FORTH, Heraklion 71110, Crete, Greece
- Department of Materials Science and Technology, University of Crete, Heraklion 71003, Crete, Greece
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Gârlea IC, Jaramillo-Cano D, Likos CN. Self-organization of gel networks formed by block copolymer stars. SOFT MATTER 2019; 15:3527-3540. [PMID: 30944917 DOI: 10.1039/c9sm00111e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
The equilibrium properties of block copolymer star networks (BCS) are studied via computer simulations. We employ both molecular dynamics and multiparticle collisional dynamics simulations to investigate the self-organization of BCS with f = 9 functionalized arms close to their overlap concentrations under conditions of different fractions of functionalization and varying attraction strength. We find three distinct macroscopic self-organized states depending on fraction of attractive end-monomers and the strength of the attraction. At weak attractions, ergodic, diffusive liquids result, with short-lived bonds between the stars. As the attraction strength grows, the whole system forms a percolating cluster, while at the same time the individual molecules are diffusive. Finally, arrested gels emerge when the attractions become strong. The conformation of the BCS in these solutions is found to be strongly affected by the concentration, with the stars assuming typically spherical, open configurations in seeking to maximize inter-star associations as opposed to the inter-star collapse that results at infinite dilution, giving rise to strongly aspherical shapes and reduced sizes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ioana C Gârlea
- Faculty of Physics, University of Vienna, Boltzmanngasse 5, 1090 Vienna, Austria.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
11
|
Gong M, Yu Q, Wang C, Wang R. Simulating Surface Patterning of Nanoparticles by Polymers via Dissipative Particle Dynamics Method. LANGMUIR : THE ACS JOURNAL OF SURFACES AND COLLOIDS 2019; 35:5534-5540. [PMID: 30925838 DOI: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.9b00066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Patchy particles are often referred to colloidal particles with physically or chemically patterned surfaces. We investigated the patterning of nanoparticle grafted by polymers, mainly consisting of patchy structures with different numbers of patches ( Npatch) and core-shell structure using the dissipative particle dynamics (DPD) method in good or poor solvents based on the experiment research. Poor solvent, large nanoparticle, proper grafting density and medium polymer length contribute to the formation of patchy structure. We introduce the effective volume fraction as an indicator to distinguish the patchy structure from core-shell structure. The reversible transition between core-shell (in a good solvent) and patchy structure (in a poor solvent) and the dependency relationship between the nanoparticle diameter and grafting density in experiment are verified. Our results pave the way for preparing the colloids with well-defined patches. The anisotropic patchy particles can self-assemble into elaborate superstructures, which are potential blocking materials for drug delivery, sensors, and electronics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Minqing Gong
- Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Key Laboratory of High Performance Polymer Material and Technology of Ministry of Education, State Key Laboratory of Coordination Chemistry and Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemistry for Life Sciences , Nanjing University , No.163, Xianlin Road , Nanjing 210023 , China
| | - Qiuyan Yu
- Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Key Laboratory of High Performance Polymer Material and Technology of Ministry of Education, State Key Laboratory of Coordination Chemistry and Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemistry for Life Sciences , Nanjing University , No.163, Xianlin Road , Nanjing 210023 , China
| | - Chenglin Wang
- Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Key Laboratory of High Performance Polymer Material and Technology of Ministry of Education, State Key Laboratory of Coordination Chemistry and Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemistry for Life Sciences , Nanjing University , No.163, Xianlin Road , Nanjing 210023 , China
| | - Rong Wang
- Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Key Laboratory of High Performance Polymer Material and Technology of Ministry of Education, State Key Laboratory of Coordination Chemistry and Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemistry for Life Sciences , Nanjing University , No.163, Xianlin Road , Nanjing 210023 , China
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Bačová P, Glynos E, Anastasiadis SH, Harmandaris V. Nanostructuring Single-Molecule Polymeric Nanoparticles via Macromolecular Architecture. ACS NANO 2019; 13:2439-2449. [PMID: 30742409 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.8b09374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Heterogeneous polymer-based nanoparticles comprise a very promising family of materials for a broad range of applications. Here, we present a detailed study of structural heterogeneities in nanostructured single-molecule nanoparticles in various environments by means of atomistic molecular dynamics simulations. The nanoparticles consist of mikto-arm star copolymers with two types of chemically incompatible arms, namely poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) and polystyrene (PS), (PS) n,(PEO) n, where n is the number of arms. The immiscibility between the two components gives rise to intramolecularly nanostructured particles. The nanostructured objects resemble either "Janus-like" or "patchy-like" particles, depending on the number or the length of the arms (or both) as well as the interaction with the surrounding medium. The degree of intramolecular heterogeneity increases with increasing number of arms and with decreasing affinity of star components to the polymer host. We provide a detailed analysis of the internal structure of the star-shaped particles, focusing on the intramolecular packing and the spatial arrangement of the arms. The results of our study can be used to design heterogeneous, internally nanostructured particles with two phases of distinct static properties for challenging specific applications of next-generation materials.
Collapse
|
13
|
Rovigatti L, Gnan N, Tavagnacco L, Moreno AJ, Zaccarelli E. Numerical modelling of non-ionic microgels: an overview. SOFT MATTER 2019; 15:1108-1119. [PMID: 30543246 PMCID: PMC6371763 DOI: 10.1039/c8sm02089b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2018] [Accepted: 11/26/2018] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Microgels are complex macromolecules. These colloid-sized polymer networks possess internal degrees of freedom and, depending on the polymer(s) they are made of, can acquire a responsiveness to variations of the environment (temperature, pH, salt concentration, etc.). Besides being valuable for many practical applications, microgels are also extremely important to tackle fundamental physics problems. As a result, these last years have seen a rapid development of protocols for the synthesis of microgels, and more and more research has been devoted to the investigation of their bulk properties. However, from a numerical standpoint the picture is more fragmented, as the inherently multi-scale nature of microgels, whose bulk behaviour crucially depends on the microscopic details, cannot be handled at a single level of coarse-graining. Here we present an overview of the methods and models that have been proposed to describe non-ionic microgels at different length-scales, from the atomistic to the single-particle level. We especially focus on monomer-resolved models, as these have the right level of details to capture the most important properties of microgels, responsiveness and softness. We suggest that these microscopic descriptions, if realistic enough, can be employed as starting points to develop the more coarse-grained representations required to investigate the behaviour of bulk suspensions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lorenzo Rovigatti
- Dipartimento di Fisica
, Sapienza Università di Roma
,
Piazzale A. Moro 2
, 00185 Roma
, Italy
.
- CNR-ISC
, Uos Sapienza
,
Piazzale A. Moro 2
, 00185 Roma
, Italy
.
| | - Nicoletta Gnan
- Dipartimento di Fisica
, Sapienza Università di Roma
,
Piazzale A. Moro 2
, 00185 Roma
, Italy
.
- CNR-ISC
, Uos Sapienza
,
Piazzale A. Moro 2
, 00185 Roma
, Italy
.
| | - Letizia Tavagnacco
- Dipartimento di Fisica
, Sapienza Università di Roma
,
Piazzale A. Moro 2
, 00185 Roma
, Italy
.
- CNR-ISC
, Uos Sapienza
,
Piazzale A. Moro 2
, 00185 Roma
, Italy
.
| | - Angel J. Moreno
- Centro de Física de Materiales (CSIC, UPV/EHU) and Materials Physics Center MPC
,
Paseo Manuel de Lardizabal 5
, 20018 San Sebastián
, Spain
- Donostia International Physics Center
,
Paseo Manuel de Lardizabal 4
, 20018 San Sebastian
, Spain
| | - Emanuela Zaccarelli
- Dipartimento di Fisica
, Sapienza Università di Roma
,
Piazzale A. Moro 2
, 00185 Roma
, Italy
.
- CNR-ISC
, Uos Sapienza
,
Piazzale A. Moro 2
, 00185 Roma
, Italy
.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Camerin F, Gnan N, Rovigatti L, Zaccarelli E. Modelling realistic microgels in an explicit solvent. Sci Rep 2018; 8:14426. [PMID: 30258102 PMCID: PMC6158278 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-32642-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2018] [Accepted: 08/29/2018] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Thermoresponsive microgels are polymeric colloidal networks that can change their size in response to a temperature variation. This peculiar feature is driven by the nature of the solvent-polymer interactions, which triggers the so-called volume phase transition from a swollen to a collapsed state above a characteristic temperature. Recently, an advanced modelling protocol to assemble realistic, disordered microgels has been shown to reproduce experimental swelling behavior and form factors. In the original framework, the solvent was taken into account in an implicit way, condensing solvent-polymer interactions in an effective attraction between monomers. To go one step further, in this work we perform simulations of realistic microgels in an explicit solvent. We identify a suitable model which fully captures the main features of the implicit model and further provides information on the solvent uptake by the interior of the microgel network and on its role in the collapse kinetics. These results pave the way for addressing problems where solvent effects are dominant, such as the case of microgels at liquid-liquid interfaces.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- F Camerin
- CNR-ISC, Uos Sapienza, Piazzale A. Moro, 2, 00185, Roma, Italy.
- Dipartimento di Scienze di Base e Applicate per l'Ingegneria, Sapienza Università di Roma, via A. Scarpa, 14, 00161, Roma, Italy.
| | - N Gnan
- CNR-ISC, Uos Sapienza, Piazzale A. Moro, 2, 00185, Roma, Italy
- Dipartimento di Fisica, Sapienza Università di Roma, Piazzale A. Moro, 2, 00185, Roma, Italy
| | - L Rovigatti
- CNR-ISC, Uos Sapienza, Piazzale A. Moro, 2, 00185, Roma, Italy
- Dipartimento di Fisica, Sapienza Università di Roma, Piazzale A. Moro, 2, 00185, Roma, Italy
| | - E Zaccarelli
- CNR-ISC, Uos Sapienza, Piazzale A. Moro, 2, 00185, Roma, Italy.
- Dipartimento di Fisica, Sapienza Università di Roma, Piazzale A. Moro, 2, 00185, Roma, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Rotation Dynamics of Star Block Copolymers under Shear Flow. Polymers (Basel) 2018; 10:polym10080860. [PMID: 30960785 PMCID: PMC6404076 DOI: 10.3390/polym10080860] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2018] [Revised: 07/31/2018] [Accepted: 07/31/2018] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Star block-copolymers (SBCs) are macromolecules formed by a number of diblock copolymers anchored to a common central core, being the internal monomers solvophilic and the end monomers solvophobic. Recent studies have demonstrated that SBCs constitute self-assembling building blocks with specific softness, functionalization, shape and flexibility. Depending on different physical and chemical parameters, the SBCs can behave as flexible patchy particles. In this paper, we study the rotational dynamics of isolated SBCs using a hybrid mesoscale simulation technique. We compare three different approaches to analyze the dynamics: the laboratory frame, the non-inertial Eckart's frame and a geometrical approximation relating the conformation of the SBC to the velocity profile of the solvent. We find that the geometrical approach is adequate when dealing with very soft systems, while in the opposite extreme, the dynamics is best explained using the laboratory frame. On the other hand, the Eckart frame is found to be very general and to reproduced well both extreme cases. We also compare the rotational frequency and the kinetic energy with the definitions of the angular momentum and inertia tensor from recent publications.
Collapse
|
16
|
Jaramillo-Cano D, Formanek M, Likos CN, Camargo M. Star Block-Copolymers in Shear Flow. J Phys Chem B 2018; 122:4149-4158. [PMID: 29547293 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcb.7b12229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Star block-copolymers (SBCs) have been demonstrated to constitute self-assembling building blocks with specific softness, functionalization, shape, and flexibility. In this work, we study the behavior of an isolated SBC under a shear flow by means of particle-based multiscale simulations. We systematically analyze the conformational properties of low-functionality stars, as well as the formation of attractive patches on their corona as a function of the shear rate. We cover a wide range of system parameters, including functionality, amphiphilicity, and solvent quality. It is shown that SBCs display a richer structural and dynamical behavior than athermal star polymers in a shear flow [ Ripoll Phys. Rev. Lett. , 2006 , 96 , 188302 ], and, therefore, they are also interesting candidates to tune the viscoelastic properties of complex fluids. We identify three factors of patch reorganization under shear that lead to patch numbers and orientations depending on the shear rate, namely, free arms joining existing patches, fusion of medium-sized patches into bigger ones, and fission of large patches into two smaller ones under high shear rates. Because the conformation of single SBC is expected to be preserved in low-density bulk phases, the presented results are a first step in understanding and predicting the rheological properties of semidilute suspensions of this kind of polymers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Diego Jaramillo-Cano
- Faculty of Physics , University of Vienna , Boltzmanngasse 5 , A-1090 Vienna , Austria
| | - Maud Formanek
- Faculty of Physics , University of Vienna , Boltzmanngasse 5 , A-1090 Vienna , Austria
| | - Christos N Likos
- Faculty of Physics , University of Vienna , Boltzmanngasse 5 , A-1090 Vienna , Austria
| | - Manuel Camargo
- Centro de Investigaciones en Ciencias Básicas y Aplicadas , Universidad Antonio Nariño , Km 18 via Cali-Jamundí , 760030 Cali , Colombia
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Blaak R, Likos CN. Self-assembly of magnetically functionalized star-polymer nano-colloids. THE EUROPEAN PHYSICAL JOURNAL. E, SOFT MATTER 2018; 41:3. [PMID: 29327242 DOI: 10.1140/epje/i2018-11614-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2017] [Accepted: 01/02/2018] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
We explore the potential of star-polymers that carry super-paramagnetic nano-particles as end-groups with respect to the single-molecule self-assembly process. With the aid of molecular dynamics simulation, the configurations of these macromolecules are analyzed as a function of functionality, magnetic interaction strength, and the length of the polymeric arms. By means of an external magnetic field the nano-particles can be controlled to form static or dynamic dipolar chains, resulting in conformations of isolated stars that can be characterized by the average number of chains and length. The single-molecule conformation diagram in the plane of magnetic interaction strength vs. the star-functionality is obtained. Further, the molecules are characterized by means of various shape and size order parameters.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ronald Blaak
- Faculty of Physics, University of Vienna, Boltzmanngasse 5, A-1090, Vienna, Austria.
| | - Christos N Likos
- Faculty of Physics, University of Vienna, Boltzmanngasse 5, A-1090, Vienna, Austria
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
C. Gârlea I, Bianchi E, Capone B, Rovigatti L, N. Likos C. Hierarchical self-organization of soft patchy nanoparticles into morphologically diverse aggregates. Curr Opin Colloid Interface Sci 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cocis.2017.03.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
|
19
|
|
20
|
Su T, Hong KH, Zhang W, Li F, Li Q, Yu F, Luo G, Gao H, He YP. Scaleable two-component gelator from phthalic acid derivatives and primary alkyl amines: acid-base interaction in the cooperative assembly. SOFT MATTER 2017; 13:4066-4073. [PMID: 28536712 DOI: 10.1039/c7sm00797c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
A series of phthalic acid derivatives (P) with a carbon-chain tail was designed and synthesized as single-component gelators. A combination of the single-component gelator P and a non-gelling additive n-alkylamine A through acid-base interaction brought about a series of novel phase-selective two-component gelators PA. The gelation capabilities of P and PA, and the structural, morphological, thermo-dynamic and rheological properties of the corresponding gels were investigated. A molecular dynamics simulation showed that the H-bonding network in PA formed between the NH of A and the carbonyl oxygen of P altered the assembly process of gelator P. Crude PA could be synthesized through a one-step process without any purification and could selectively gel the oil phase without a typical heating-cooling process. Moreover, such a crude PA and its gelation process could be amplified to the kilogram scale with high efficiency, which offers a practical economically viable solution to marine oil-spill recovery.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ting Su
- College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Environmental Engineering, Liaoning Shihua University, Dandong Lu West 1, Fushun 113001, Liaoning, P. R. China.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
21
|
Zhou Y, Ma X, Zhang L, Lin J. Directed assembly of functionalized nanoparticles with amphiphilic diblock copolymers. Phys Chem Chem Phys 2017; 19:18757-18766. [DOI: 10.1039/c7cp03294c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
We theoretically propose a simple approach to achieve soft nanoparticles with a self-patchiness nature, which are further directed to assemble into a rich variety of highly ordered superstructures.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yaru Zhou
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Advanced Polymeric Materials
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering
- Key Laboratory for Ultrafine Materials of Ministry of Education
- School of Materials Science and Engineering
- East China University of Science and Technology
| | - Xiaodong Ma
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Advanced Polymeric Materials
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering
- Key Laboratory for Ultrafine Materials of Ministry of Education
- School of Materials Science and Engineering
- East China University of Science and Technology
| | - Liangshun Zhang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Advanced Polymeric Materials
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering
- Key Laboratory for Ultrafine Materials of Ministry of Education
- School of Materials Science and Engineering
- East China University of Science and Technology
| | - Jiaping Lin
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Advanced Polymeric Materials
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering
- Key Laboratory for Ultrafine Materials of Ministry of Education
- School of Materials Science and Engineering
- East China University of Science and Technology
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Bianchi E, Capone B, Coluzza I, Rovigatti L, van Oostrum PDJ. Limiting the valence: advancements and new perspectives on patchy colloids, soft functionalized nanoparticles and biomolecules. Phys Chem Chem Phys 2017; 19:19847-19868. [DOI: 10.1039/c7cp03149a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Artistic representation of limited valance units consisting of a soft core (in blue) and a small number of flexible bonding patches (in orange).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Emanuela Bianchi
- Faculty of Physics
- University of Vienna
- A-1090 Vienna
- Austria
- Institute for Theoretical Physics
| | - Barbara Capone
- Faculty of Physics
- University of Vienna
- A-1090 Vienna
- Austria
- Dipartimento di Scienze
| | - Ivan Coluzza
- Faculty of Physics
- University of Vienna
- A-1090 Vienna
- Austria
| | - Lorenzo Rovigatti
- Faculty of Physics
- University of Vienna
- A-1090 Vienna
- Austria
- Rudolf Peierls Centre for Theoretical Physics
| | - Peter D. J. van Oostrum
- Department of Nanobiotechnology
- Institute for Biologically Inspired Materials
- University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences
- A-1190 Vienna
- Austria
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Ye X, Khomami B. Elucidating the Molecular Processes for Creating Large or Bimodal Soft Nanoparticles from Block Copolymers via Blending. Macromol Rapid Commun 2016; 37:1760-1764. [PMID: 27628749 DOI: 10.1002/marc.201600366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2016] [Revised: 08/10/2016] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
By simply blending two diblock copolymers with the same chemistry but with different compositions one is able to create well-defined larger soft -nanoparticles as well as bimodal soft nanoparticles. Specifically, blending two diblock copolymers in a solvent good for both blocks followed by a gradual introduction of a non-solvent results in a mixed micelle, larger than their pure block-copolymer-forming micelles. The formation of well-defined larger micelle is due to the balance between the ability of the mixed micelles to assemble or merge in comparison to their pure diblock copolymer micelles. Evidently, the blending ratio, the mixing protocol, and non-solvent addition rate are crucial to achieving well-defined larger or bimodal micelles.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xianggui Ye
- Materials Research and Innovation Laboratory (MRAIL), Sustainable Energy Education and Research Center (SEERC), Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN, 37996, USA
| | - Bamin Khomami
- Materials Research and Innovation Laboratory (MRAIL), Sustainable Energy Education and Research Center (SEERC), Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN, 37996, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Wang Z, Sun F, Huang S, Yan C. From toroidal to rod‐like nanostructure, a mechanism study for the reversible morphological control on amphiphilic triblock copolymer micelles. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2016. [DOI: 10.1002/polb.24057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Zhida Wang
- Key Laboratory of Renewable Energy, Guangzhou Institute of Energy ConversionChinese Academy of SciencesGuangzhou China510640
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of New and Renewable Energy Research and DevelopmentGuangzhou China510640
| | - Fengman Sun
- Key Laboratory of Renewable Energy, Guangzhou Institute of Energy ConversionChinese Academy of SciencesGuangzhou China510640
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of New and Renewable Energy Research and DevelopmentGuangzhou China510640
- University of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijing China100039
| | - Shilin Huang
- Key Laboratory of Renewable Energy, Guangzhou Institute of Energy ConversionChinese Academy of SciencesGuangzhou China510640
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of New and Renewable Energy Research and DevelopmentGuangzhou China510640
| | - Changfeng Yan
- Key Laboratory of Renewable Energy, Guangzhou Institute of Energy ConversionChinese Academy of SciencesGuangzhou China510640
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of New and Renewable Energy Research and DevelopmentGuangzhou China510640
- University of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijing China100039
| |
Collapse
|