Direct-ink-write cross-linkable bottlebrush block copolymers for on-the-fly control of structural color

Additive manufacturing capable of controlling and dynamically modulating structures down to the nanoscopic scale remains challenging. By marrying additive manufacturing with self-assembly, we develop a UV (ultra-violet)-assisted direct ink write approach for on-the-fly modulation of structural color by programming the assembly kinetics through photo-cross-linking. We design a photo-cross-linkable bottlebrush block copolymer solution as a printing ink that exhibits vibrant structural color (i.e., photonic properties) due to the nanoscopic lamellar structures formed post extrusion. By dynamically modulating UV-light irradiance during printing, we can program the color of the printed material to access a broad spectrum of visible light with a single ink while also creating color gradients not previously possible. We unveil the mechanism of this approach using a combination of coarse-grained simulations, rheological measurements, and structural characterizations. Central to the assembly mechanism is the matching of the cross-linking timescale with the assembly timescale, which leads to kinetic trapping of the assembly process that evolves structural color from blue to red driven by solvent evaporation. This strategy of integrating cross-linking chemistry and out-of-equilibrium processing opens an avenue for spatiotemporal control of self-assembled nanostructures during additive manufacturing.

Characterization of Polyisobutylene Succinic Anhydride (PIBSA) and Its PIBSI Products from the Reaction of PIBSA with Hexamethylene Diamine

The nature of the end-groups of a PIBSA sample, namely a polyisobutylene (PIB) sample, where each chain is supposedly terminated at one end with a single succinic anhydride group, was characterized through a combination of pyrene excimer fluorescence (PEF), gel permeation chromatography, and simulations. The PIBSA sample was reacted with different molar ratios of hexamethylene diamine to generate PIBSI molecules with succinimide (SI) groups in the corresponding reaction mixtures. The molecular weight distribution (MWD) of the different reaction mixtures was determined by fitting the gel permeation chromatography traces with sums of Gaussians. Comparison of the experimental MWD of the reaction mixtures with those simulated by assuming that the reaction between succinic anhydride and amine occurs through stochastic encounters led to the conclusion that 36 wt% of the PIBSA sample constituted unmaleated PIB chains. Based on this analysis, the PIBSA sample was found to be constituted of 0.50, 0.38, and 0.12 molar fractions of PIB chains that were singly maleated, unmaleated, and doubly maleated, respectively.

Thiophene End-Functionalized Oligo-(D,L-Lactide) as a New Electroactive Macromonomer for the "Hairy-Rod" Type Conjugated Polymers Synthesis

The development of the modern society imposes a fast-growing demand for new advanced functional polymer materials. To this aim, one of the most plausible current methodologies is the end-group functionalization of existing conventional polymers. If the end functional group is able to polymerize, this method enables the synthesis of a molecularly complex, grafted architecture that opens the access to a wider range of material properties, as well as tailoring the special functions required for certain applications. In this context, the present paper reports on α-thienyl-ω-hydroxyl-end-groups functionalized oligo-(D,L-lactide) (Th-PDLLA), which was designed to combine the polymerizability and photophysical properties of thiophene with the biocompatibility and biodegradability of poly-(D,L-lactide). Th-PDLLA was synthesized using the path of "functional initiator" in the ring-opening polymerization (ROP) of (D,L)-lactide, assisted by stannous 2-ethyl hexanoate (Sn(oct)₂). The results of NMR and FT-IR spectroscopic methods confirmed the Th-PDLLA's expected structure, while the oligomeric nature of Th-PDLLA, as resulting from the calculations based on ¹H-NMR data, is supported by the findings from gel permeation chromatography (GPC) and by the results of the thermal analyses. The behavior of Th-PDLLA in different organic solvents, evaluated by UV-vis and fluorescence spectroscopy, but also by dynamic light scattering (DLS), suggested the presence of colloidal supramolecular structures, underlining the nature of the macromonomer Th-PDLLA as an "shape amphiphile". To test its functionality, the ability of Th-PDLLA to work as a building block for the synthesis of molecular composites was demonstrated by photoinduced oxidative homopolymerization in the presence of diphenyliodonium salt (DPI). The occurrence of a polymerization process, with the formation of a thiophene-conjugated oligomeric main chain grafted with oligomeric PDLLA, was proven, in addition to the visual changes, by the results of GPC, ¹H-NMR, FT-IR, UV-vis and fluorescence measurements.

PDMAEMA from α to ω chain ends: tools for elucidating the structure of poly(2-(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate)

An in-depth characterization of PDMAEMA prepared by ATRP was conducted, with a focus on end group analysis. This work discusses analytical tools providing essential information about the extent of control over DMAEMA polymerization and chain extension.

Controllable synthesis and structural design of novel all-organic polymers toward high energy storage dielectrics

As the core unit of energy storage equipment, high voltage pulse capacitor plays an indispensable role in the field of electric power system and electromagnetic energy related equipment. The mostly utilized polymer materials are metallized polymer thin films, which are represented by biaxially oriented polypropylene (BOPP) films, possessing the advantages including low cost, high breakdown strength, excellent processing ability, and self-healing performance. However, the low dielectric constant (εr < 3) of traditional BOPP films makes it impossible to meet the demand for increased high energy density. Controlled/living radical polymerization (CRP) and related techniques have become a powerful approach to tailor the chemical and physical properties of materials and have given rise to great advances in tuning the properties of polymer dielectrics. Although organic-inorganic composite dielectrics have received much attention in previous studies, all-organic polymer dielectrics have been proven to be the most promising choice because of its light weight and easy large-scale continuous processing. In this short review, we begin with some basic theory of polymer dielectrics and some theoretical considerations for the rational design of dielectric polymers with high performance. In the guidance of these theoretical considerations, we review recent progress toward all-organic polymer dielectrics based on two major approaches, one is to control the polymer chain structure, containing microscopic main-chain and side-chain structures, by the method of CRP and the other is macroscopic structure design of all-organic polymer dielectric films. And various chemistry and compositions are discussed within each approach.

End group Functionality of 95 to 99%: Epoxide Functionalization of Polystyryl-Lithium Evaluated via Solvent Gradient Interaction Chromatography (SGIC)

End group functionality is a key parameter of functional polymer chains. The end-capping efficiency of living polystyryl lithium with various epoxides, namely ethylene oxide (EO), ethoxy ethyl glycidyl ether (EEGE) and isopropylidene glyceryl glycidyl ether (IGG), is investigated with solvent gradient interaction chromatography (SGIC). Generally, end-capping efficiencies > 95% are observed. Hydroxyl functional polystyrene (PS-OH, PS-EEGE-OH and PS-IGG-OH) with molar masses ranging from 13.8 to 15 kg mol^-1 are obtained, with dispersities of 1.05-1.06. Deprotection of the acetal (PS-EEGE-OH) and ketal protective group (PS-IGG-OH) is investigated. Nearly quantitative deprotection (> 99%) resulting in the corresponding multihydroxy functional PS (PS-(OH)₂ and PS-(OH)₃ ) are observed via SGIC. Esterification of PS-OH with succinic anhydride shows a conversion of 98% to the corresponding ester. A detailed picture of side reactions during the carbanionic polymer synthesis subsequent epoxide termination is obtained, demonstrating 95-99% terminal functionality. Depending on the polarity of the end group, an elution order of PS-OH < PS-(OH)₂ < PS-(OH)₃ < PS-COOH is obtained in SGIC. The study demonstrates both the analytical power of SGIC and the exceptionally high terminal functionalization efficiency of anionic polymerization methods. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Thiophene α-Chain-End-Functionalized Oligo(2-methyl-2-oxazoline) as Precursor Amphiphilic Macromonomer for Grafted Conjugated Oligomers/Polymers and as a Multifunctional Material with Relevant Properties for Biomedical Applications

Because the combination of π-conjugated polymers with biocompatible synthetic counterparts leads to the development of bio-relevant functional materials, this paper reports a new oligo(2-methyl-2-oxazoline) (OMeOx)-containing thiophene macromonomer, denoted Th-OMeOx. It can be used as a reactive precursor for synthesis of a polymerizable 2,2'-3-OMeOx-substituted bithiophene by Suzuki coupling. Also a grafted polythiophene amphiphile with OMeOx side chains was synthesized by its self-acid-assisted polymerization (SAAP) in bulk. The results showed that Th-OMeOx is not only a reactive intermediate but also a versatile functional material in itself. This is due to the presence of 2-bromo-substituted thiophene and ω-hydroxyl functional end-groups, and due to the multiple functionalities encoded in its structure (photosensitivity, water self-dispersibility, self-assembling capacity). Thus, analysis of its behavior in solvents of different selectivities revealed that Th-OMeOx forms self-assembled structures (micelles or vesicles) by "direct dissolution".Unexpectedly, by exciting the Th-OMeOx micelles formed in water with λabs of the OMeOx repeating units, the intensity of fluorescence emission varied in a concentration-dependent manner.These self-assembled structures showed excitation-dependent luminescence as well. Attributed to the clusteroluminescence phenomenon due to the aggregation and through space interactions of electron-rich groups in non-conjugated, non-aromatic OMeOx, this behavior certifies that polypeptides mimic the character of Th-OMeOx as a non-conventional intrinsic luminescent material.

Comprehensive studies of continuous flow reversible addition–fragmentation chain transfer copolymerization and its application for photoimaging materials

Thorough studies of RAFT copolymerization in a continuous flow to gain deeper insights into kinetics, reactivity, and applicability were conducted with monomers and solvents utilizable for chemically amplified resist systems.

Organocatalytic orthogonal ATRP and ring-opening polymerization using a single dual-function photocatalyst

Organocatalytic orthogonal atom transfer radical polymerization and ring-opening polymerization have been achieved using a single designer dual-function photocatalyst.