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Gong S, Liu A, Qaisrani NA, Han L, Yuan M, Ren Y, Yan X, He G, Zhang F. Completely Methylene-Free Side Chain Enables Significant Microphase Separation at Medium IECs for Fuel-Cell Anion Exchange Membranes. ACS Appl Mater Interfaces 2024. [PMID: 38745362 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.4c03693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
The introduction of hydrophobic side chain structures in anion exchange membranes (AEMs) to facilitate ion transport has been widely studied; however, low or moderate hydrophobic hydrocarbon and semifluorinated side chains are insufficient to induce a high degree of microphase separation. Herein, we design and prepare poly(aryl piperidinium) AEMs with completely methylene-free perfluorinated side chains, which can maximize the thermodynamic incompatibility between main- and side chains, thus enhancing microphase separation at medium ion exchange capacities (IECs). According to the molecular dynamics study, the methylene-free perfluorinated side chain leads to better hydration of cations. The hydroxide conductivity of the methylene-free perfluorinated side chain-grafted PAP-pF-1 membrane reaches 124.9 mS cm-1 at 80 °C, and the PAP-sF-1 with semifluorinated side chains and PAP-CH-1 with hydrocarbon side chains show lower conductivity (116.8 and 104.0 mS cm-1). The H2/O2 fuel cell using the PAP-pF-1 membrane demonstrates a remarkable peak power density (1651 mW cm-2 at 80 °C) and durability (greater than 300 h). This work provides a novel insight into enhancing microphase separation in AEMs; it opens up new possibilities for developing high-performance AEMs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shoutao Gong
- State Key Laboratory of Fine Chemicals, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, China
- School of Chemical Engineering, Ocean and Life Sciences, Dalian University of Technology, Panjin 124221, China
| | - Anmin Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Fine Chemicals, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, China
- School of Chemical Engineering, Ocean and Life Sciences, Dalian University of Technology, Panjin 124221, China
| | - Naeem Akhtar Qaisrani
- Institute of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Khwaja Fareed University of Engineering and Information Technology (KFUEIT), Abu Dhabi Rd, Rahim Yar Khan 64200, Pakistan
| | - Long Han
- State Key Laboratory of Fine Chemicals, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, China
- School of Chemical Engineering, Ocean and Life Sciences, Dalian University of Technology, Panjin 124221, China
| | - Minghao Yuan
- State Key Laboratory of Fine Chemicals, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, China
- School of Chemical Engineering, Ocean and Life Sciences, Dalian University of Technology, Panjin 124221, China
| | - Yanzhen Ren
- State Key Laboratory of Fine Chemicals, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, China
- School of Chemical Engineering, Ocean and Life Sciences, Dalian University of Technology, Panjin 124221, China
| | - Xiaoming Yan
- State Key Laboratory of Fine Chemicals, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, China
- School of Chemical Engineering, Ocean and Life Sciences, Dalian University of Technology, Panjin 124221, China
| | - Gaohong He
- State Key Laboratory of Fine Chemicals, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, China
- School of Chemical Engineering, Ocean and Life Sciences, Dalian University of Technology, Panjin 124221, China
| | - Fengxiang Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Fine Chemicals, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, China
- School of Chemical Engineering, Ocean and Life Sciences, Dalian University of Technology, Panjin 124221, China
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2
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Lee SY, Kang DR, Oh JG, Chae IS, Kim JH. Dumbbell-Shaped, Block-Graft Copolymer with Aligned Domains for High-performance Hydrocarbon Polymer Electrolyte Membranes. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2024:e202406796. [PMID: 38730495 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202406796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2024] [Revised: 05/08/2024] [Accepted: 05/10/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024]
Abstract
Given the environmental concerns surrounding fluoromaterials, the use of high-cost perfluorinated sulfonic acids (PFSAs) in fuel cells and water electrolysis contradicts the pursuit of clean energy systems. Herein, we present a fluorine-free dumbbell-shaped block-graft copolymer, derived from the cost-effective triblock copolymer poly(styrene-b-ethylene-co-butylene-b-styrene) (SEBS), for polymer electrolyte membranes (PEMs). This unique polymer shape led to the alignment of the hydrophobic-hydrophilic domains along a preferred orientation, resulting in the construction of interconnected proton channels across the membrane. A bicontinuous network allowed efficient proton transport with reduced tortuosity, leading to an exceptional ionic conductivity (249 mS cm-1 at 80 °C and 90% relative humidity (RH)), despite a low ion exchange capacity (IEC; 1.41). Furthermore, membrane-electrode assembly (MEA) prepared with our membrane exhibited stable performance over a period of 150 h at 80 °C and 30% RH. This study demonstrates a novel polymer structure design and highlights a promising outlook for hydrocarbon PEMs as alternatives to PFSAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- So Youn Lee
- Yonsei University, Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, KOREA, REPUBLIC OF
| | - Du Ru Kang
- Yonsei University, Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, KOREA, REPUBLIC OF
| | - Jong-Gil Oh
- Hyundai Motors, Advanced Fuel Cell Technology Development, KOREA, REPUBLIC OF
| | - Il Seok Chae
- Hyundai Motors, Advanced Fuel Cell Technology Development, KOREA, REPUBLIC OF
| | - Jong Hak Kim
- Yonsei University, Chemical Biomolecular Engineering, 50 Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, 03722, Seoul, KOREA, REPUBLIC OF
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3
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Li Q, Wu L, Pang Y, Liu B, Zhu X, Zhao C. Novel Fluorinated Anion Exchange Membranes Based on Poly(Pentafluorophenyl-Carbazole) with High Ionic Conductivity and Alkaline Stability for Fuel Cell Applications. Macromol Rapid Commun 2024; 45:e2300734. [PMID: 38361081 DOI: 10.1002/marc.202300734] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2023] [Revised: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024]
Abstract
Constructing good microphase separation structures by designing different polymer backbones and ion-conducting groups is an effective strategy for improving the ionic conductivity and chemical stability of anion exchange membranes (AEMs). In this study, a series of AEMs based on the poly(pentafluorophenylcarbazole) backbone grafted with different cationic groups are designed and prepared to construct well-defined microphase separation morphology and improve the trade-off between the properties of AEMs. Highly hydrophobic fluorinated backbone and alkyl spaces enhance phase separation and construct interconnected hydrophilic channels for anion transport. The ionic conductivity of the PC-PF-QA membrane is 123 mS cm-1 at 80 °C, and the ionic conductivity of the PC-PF-QA membrane decreased by only 6% after 960 h of immersion at 60 °C in 1 M NaOH aqueous solution. The maximum peak power density of the single cell based on PC-PF-QA is 214 mW cm-2 at 60 °C.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qijia Li
- Key Laboratory of High Performance Plastics, Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry, Jilin University, Changchun, 130012, P. R. China
| | - Liming Wu
- Key Laboratory of High Performance Plastics, Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry, Jilin University, Changchun, 130012, P. R. China
| | - Yang Pang
- Key Laboratory of High Performance Plastics, Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry, Jilin University, Changchun, 130012, P. R. China
| | - Binghui Liu
- Key Laboratory of High Performance Plastics, Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry, Jilin University, Changchun, 130012, P. R. China
| | - Xuanbo Zhu
- Key Laboratory of High Performance Plastics, Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry, Jilin University, Changchun, 130012, P. R. China
| | - Chengji Zhao
- Key Laboratory of High Performance Plastics, Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry, Jilin University, Changchun, 130012, P. R. China
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4
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Li J, Zheng Z, Ma Y, Dong Z, Li MH, Hu J. Mechanically Ultra-Robust Fluorescent Elastomer for Elaborating Auxetic Composite. Small 2024:e2402130. [PMID: 38678509 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202402130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2024] [Revised: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024]
Abstract
Fluorescent elastomers are predominantly fabricated through doping fluorescent components or conjugating chromophores into polymer networks, which often involves detrimental effects on mechanical performance and also makes large-scale production difficult. Inspired by the heteroatom-rich microphase separation structures assisted by intensive hydrogen bonds in natural organisms, an ultra-robust fluorescent polyurethane elastomer is reported, which features a remarkable fracture strength of 87.2 MPa with an elongation of 1797%, exceptional toughness of 678.4 MJ m-3 and intrinsic cyan fluorescence at 445 nm. Moreover, the reversible fluorescence variation with temperature could in situ reveal the microphase separation of the elastomer in real time. By taking advantage of mechanical properties, intrinsic fluorescence and hydrogen bonds-promoted interfacial bonding ability, this fluorescent elastomer can be utilized as an auxetic skeleton for the elaboration of an integrated auxetic composite. Compared with the auxetic skeleton alone, the integrated composite shows an improved mechanical performance while maintaining auxetic deformation in a large strain below 185%, and its auxetic process can be visually detected under ultraviolet light by the fluorescence of the auxetic skeleton. The concept of introducing hydrogen-bonded heteroatom-rich microphase separation structures into polymer networks in this work provides a promising approach to developing fluorescent elastomers with exceptional mechanical properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiawei Li
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Soft Matter Science and Engineering, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, North Third Ring Road 15, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100029, China
| | - Zhiran Zheng
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Soft Matter Science and Engineering, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, North Third Ring Road 15, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100029, China
| | - Yaning Ma
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Soft Matter Science and Engineering, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, North Third Ring Road 15, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100029, China
| | - Zhaoxing Dong
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Soft Matter Science and Engineering, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, North Third Ring Road 15, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100029, China
| | - Min-Hui Li
- Chimie ParisTech, PSL University, CNRS, Institut de Recherche de Chimie Paris, 11 rue Pierre et Marie Curie, Paris, 75005, France
| | - Jun Hu
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Soft Matter Science and Engineering, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, North Third Ring Road 15, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100029, China
- State Key Laboratory of Polymer Physics and Chemistry, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Renmin Street 5625, Chaoyang District, Changchun, 130022, China
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5
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Lv D, Li X, Huang X, Cao C, Ai L, Wang X, Ravi SK, Yao X. Microphase-Separated Elastic and Ultrastretchable Ionogel for Reliable Ionic Skin with Multimodal Sensation. Adv Mater 2024; 36:e2309821. [PMID: 37993105 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202309821] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2023] [Revised: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 11/24/2023]
Abstract
Bioinspired artificial skins integrated with reliable human-machine interfaces and stretchable electronic systems have attracted considerable attention. However, the current design faces difficulties in simultaneously achieving satisfactory skin-like mechanical compliance and self-powered multimodal sensing. Here, this work reports a microphase-separated bicontinuous ionogel which possesses skin-like mechanical properties and mimics the multimodal sensing ability of biological skin by ion-driven stimuli-electricity conversion. The ionogel exhibits excellent elasticity and ionic conductivity, high toughness, and ultrastretchability, as well as a Young's modulus similar to that of human skin. Leveraging the ion-polymer interactions enabled selective ion transport, the ionogel can output pulsing or continuous electrical signals in response to diverse stimuli such as strain, touch pressure, and temperature sensitively, demonstrating a unique self-powered multimodal sensing. Furthermore, the ionogel-based I-skin can concurrently sense different stimuli and decouple the variations of the stimuli from the voltage signals with the assistance of a machine-learning model. The ease of fabrication, wide tunability, self-powered multimodal sensing, and the excellent environmental tolerance of the ionogels demonstrate a new strategy in the development of next-generation soft smart mechano-transduction devices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong Lv
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, 999077, China
| | - Xin Li
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, 999077, China
| | - Xin Huang
- Institute of Chemical Materials, China Academy of Engineering Physics (CAEP), Mianyang, 621900, China
| | - Chunyan Cao
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, 999077, China
| | - Liqing Ai
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, 999077, China
| | - Xuejiao Wang
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, 999077, China
| | - Sai Kishore Ravi
- School of Energy and Environment, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, 999077, China
| | - Xi Yao
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, 999077, China
- City University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen Research Institute, Shenzhen, 518075, China
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6
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Wang X, Thomas AM, Lammertink RGH. Dimensionally Stable Anion Exchange Membranes Based on Macromolecular-Cross-Linked Poly(arylene piperidinium) for Water Electrolysis. ACS Appl Mater Interfaces 2024; 16:2593-2605. [PMID: 38175180 PMCID: PMC10797592 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.3c13801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2023] [Revised: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
The advancement of anion exchange membranes (AEMs) with superior ionic conductivity has been greatly hindered due to the inherent "trade-off" between membrane swelling and ionic conductivity. To resolve this dilemma, macromolecular covalently cross-linked C-FPVBC-x AEMs were fabricated by combining partially functionalized ether-bond-free polystyrene (FPVBC) with poly(arylene piperidinium). The results from atomic force microscopy reveal that an increase in the ratio of FPVBC promotes the fabrication of microphase separation morphology, resulting in a high ionic conductivity of 40.15 mS cm-1 (30 °C) for the C-FPVBC-1.7 membrane. Molecular dynamics simulations further examine the ionic conduction effect of cross-linked AEMs. Besides, the unique cross-linking structure significantly improves mechanical and alkaline stability. After treatment in 1 M KOH at 50 °C for 1200 h, the C-FPVBC-1.7 membrane shows only a 6.9% decrease in conductivity. The C-FPVBC-1.7 AEM-based water electrolyzer achieves a high current density of 890 mA cm-2 at 2.4 V (80 °C) and maintains good stability, enduring over 100 h at 100 mA cm-2 (50 °C). These results demonstrate the significant potential of macromolecularly cross-linked AEMs for practical applications in water electrolysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiuqin Wang
- Soft
Matter, Fluidics and Interfaces, Faculty of Science and Technology,
MESA+ Institute for Nanotechnology, University
of Twente, 7522 NB Enschede, The Netherlands
- School
of Environment and Civil Engineering, Dongguan
University of Technology, Dongguan 523808, P. R. China
| | - Angela Mary Thomas
- Soft
Matter, Fluidics and Interfaces, Faculty of Science and Technology,
MESA+ Institute for Nanotechnology, University
of Twente, 7522 NB Enschede, The Netherlands
- TECNALIA, Basque Research and Technology
Alliance (BRTA), Mikeletegi
Pasealekua 2, 20009 Donostia-San Sebastian, Spain
| | - Rob G. H. Lammertink
- Soft
Matter, Fluidics and Interfaces, Faculty of Science and Technology,
MESA+ Institute for Nanotechnology, University
of Twente, 7522 NB Enschede, The Netherlands
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7
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Ju J, Hayward RC. Cocontinuous Nanostructures by Microphase Separation of Statistically Cross-Linked Polystyrene/Poly(2-vinylpyridine) Networks. ACS Appl Mater Interfaces 2023; 15:49633-49641. [PMID: 37843430 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.3c10985] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2023]
Abstract
Cocontinuous polymeric nanostructures have drawn considerable attention due to their ability to combine distinct, percolation-dependent properties of two different polymer domains. Randomly end-linked copolymer networks (RECNs) have previously been shown to support the formation of disordered cocontinuous nanostructures across wide composition windows in a robust way. However, achieving highly efficient linking of telechelic polymers with excellent end-group fidelity often requires complex synthetic routes. As an alternative, we study here statistically cross-linked copolymer networks (SCCNs) composed of polystyrene and poly(2-vinylpyridine) (PS and P2VP) with cross-linkable allyl pendent groups that are conveniently synthesized by controlled radical copolymerization. Via selective extraction of P2VP, coupled with gravimetry, small-angle X-ray scattering, and electron microscopy, we find disordered cocontinuous phases across wide composition ranges (up to ≈ 35 wt %), approaching values previously determined for RECNs. Remarkably, even for samples that appear to exhibit full percolation, a substantial fraction of P2VP (≈ 20-30 wt %) cannot be removed, which we ascribe to short strands between nearby cross-linkers that are physically embedded within PS domains. The resulting PS porous monoliths with residual surface P2VP layers enable facile surface modification to resist protein adsorption and templating of porous gold nanostructures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaechul Ju
- Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, Colorado 80303, United States
| | - Ryan C Hayward
- Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, Colorado 80303, United States
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8
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Gou S, Wang G, Zou Y, Geng W, He T, Qin Z, Che L, Feng Q, Cai K. Non-Pore Dependent and MMP-9 Responsive Gelatin/Silk Fibroin Composite Microparticles as Universal Delivery Platform for Inhaled Treatment of Lung Cancer. Adv Mater 2023; 35:e2303718. [PMID: 37625141 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202303718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2023] [Revised: 08/15/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023]
Abstract
Developing a drug delivery platform that possesses universal drug loading capacity to meet various requirements of cancer treatment is a challenging yet interesting task. Herein, a self-assembled gelatin/silk fibroin composite (GSC) particle based drug delivery system is developed via microphase separation followed by desolvation process. Thanks to its preassembled microphase stage, this GSC system is suitable for varying types of drugs. The desolvation process fix drugs inside GSC rapidly and densify the GSC structure, thereby achieving efficient drug loading and providing comprehensive protection for loaded drugs. Actually, the size of this brand-new non-pore dependent drug delivery system can be easily adjusted from 100 nm to 20 µm to fit different scenarios. This work selects GSC with 3 µm diameter as the universal inhaled drug delivery platform, which shows an excellent transmucosal penetration and lung retention ability. Additionally, the MMP-9 sensitive degradation property of GSC enhances the targeted efficiency of drugs and reduces side effects. Intestinally, GSC can self-amplify the regulation of innate immunity to reverse the cancerous microenvironment into an antitumor niche, significantly improving the therapeutic effect of drugs. This study of GSC universal drug platform provides a new direction to develop the next-generation of drug delivery system for lung cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuangquan Gou
- Key laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministry of Educations, Collage of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 40044, China
| | - Gangyang Wang
- Department of Orthopedic, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 200080, Shanghai, China
| | - Yanan Zou
- Key laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministry of Educations, Collage of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 40044, China
| | - Wenbo Geng
- Key laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministry of Educations, Collage of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 40044, China
| | - Tingting He
- Key laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministry of Educations, Collage of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 40044, China
| | - Zizhen Qin
- Key laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministry of Educations, Collage of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 40044, China
| | - Lingbin Che
- Department of Orthopedic, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 200080, Shanghai, China
| | - Qian Feng
- Key laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministry of Educations, Collage of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 40044, China
| | - Kaiyong Cai
- Key laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministry of Educations, Collage of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 40044, China
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9
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Wang J, Wang M, Zhang X, Han Y, Wu Y, Wang D, Qin X, Lu Y, Zhang L. Quantification Characterization of Hierarchical Structure of Polyurethane by Advanced AFM and X-ray Techniques. ACS Appl Mater Interfaces 2023; 15:45388-45398. [PMID: 37705159 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.3c07860] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/15/2023]
Abstract
Polyurethane (PU) with microphase separation has garnered significant attention due to its highly designable molecular structure and a wide range of adjustable properties. However, there is currently a lack of systematic approaches for quantifying PU's microphase separation. To address this research gap, we utilized an atomic force microscopy (AFM) nanomechanical mapping technique along with Gaussian fitting to recolor and quantitatively analyze the evolution of PU's microphase separation. By varying the ratios of the chain extender to cross-linking agent, we observed the changes in the hydrogen bonding between the soft and hard segments. As the ratio of the chain extender to cross-linking agent decreases, the strength of the hydrogen bonding weakens, resulting in a reduction in the quantity and phase percentage of hard segment (HS) domains. Consequently, the degree of microphase separation between the soft and hard segments decreases, leading to specific alterations in the material's mechanical properties and dynamic viscoelasticity. To further investigate the hierarchical structure of PU, we employed various techniques, such as X-ray analysis, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and AFM-based infrared spectroscopy (AFM-IR). Our findings reveal a spherulite pattern composed of lamellae within the HS domains, with the cross-linking density gradually increasing from the center to the periphery. Overall, our comprehensive characterization of PU provides valuable insights into its hierarchical structure and establishes a quantitative framework to explore the intricate relationship between the structure and properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiadong Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Organic-Inorganic Composites, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, China
- Engineering Research Center of Elastomer Materials Energy Conservation and Resources, Ministry of Education, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Min Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Organic-Inorganic Composites, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, China
- Engineering Research Center of Elastomer Materials Energy Conservation and Resources, Ministry of Education, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Xi Zhang
- College of Chemistry and Materials Engineering, Beijing Technology and Business University, Beijing 100048, China
| | - Yang Han
- State Key Laboratory of Organic-Inorganic Composites, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, China
- Engineering Research Center of Elastomer Materials Energy Conservation and Resources, Ministry of Education, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Yingxue Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Organic-Inorganic Composites, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, China
- Engineering Research Center of Elastomer Materials Energy Conservation and Resources, Ministry of Education, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Dong Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Organic-Inorganic Composites, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, China
- Engineering Research Center of Elastomer Materials Energy Conservation and Resources, Ministry of Education, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Xuan Qin
- State Key Laboratory of Organic-Inorganic Composites, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, China
- Engineering Research Center of Elastomer Materials Energy Conservation and Resources, Ministry of Education, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Yonglai Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Organic-Inorganic Composites, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, China
- Engineering Research Center of Elastomer Materials Energy Conservation and Resources, Ministry of Education, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Liqun Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Organic-Inorganic Composites, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, China
- Engineering Research Center of Elastomer Materials Energy Conservation and Resources, Ministry of Education, Beijing 100029, China
- Institute of Emergent Elastomers, School of Materials Science and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510640, Guangdong, China
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10
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Adame-Arana O, Bajpai G, Lorber D, Volk T, Safran S. Regulation of chromatin microphase separation by binding of protein complexes. eLife 2023; 12:e82983. [PMID: 37436818 DOI: 10.7554/elife.82983] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2022] [Accepted: 06/22/2023] [Indexed: 07/13/2023] Open
Abstract
We show evidence of the association of RNA polymerase II (RNAP) with chromatin in a core-shell organization, reminiscent of microphase separation where the cores comprise dense chromatin and the shell, RNAP and chromatin with low density. These observations motivate our physical model for the regulation of core-shell chromatin organization. Here, we model chromatin as a multiblock copolymer, comprising active and inactive regions (blocks) that are both in poor solvent and tend to be condensed in the absence of binding proteins. However, we show that the solvent quality for the active regions of chromatin can be regulated by the binding of protein complexes (e.g., RNAP and transcription factors). Using the theory of polymer brushes, we find that such binding leads to swelling of the active chromatin regions which in turn modifies the spatial organization of the inactive regions. In addition, we use simulations to study spherical chromatin micelles, whose cores comprise inactive regions and shells comprise active regions and bound protein complexes. In spherical micelles the swelling increases the number of inactive cores and controls their size. Thus, genetic modifications affecting the binding strength of chromatin-binding protein complexes may modulate the solvent quality experienced by chromatin and regulate the physical organization of the genome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Omar Adame-Arana
- Department of Chemical and Biological Physics, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Gaurav Bajpai
- Department of Chemical and Biological Physics, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Dana Lorber
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Talila Volk
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Samuel Safran
- Department of Chemical and Biological Physics, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
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11
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Ding Y, Liu CX, Ma YC, Hu MX, Liu S, Gu Y, Zhuang L, Zhang QG, Mao BW, Yan JW. Correlation between the Humidity-Dependent Surface Microstructure and Macroconductivity of Anion Exchange Membranes. ACS Appl Mater Interfaces 2023. [PMID: 37317823 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.3c05167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Anion exchange membrane (AEM) fuel cells have gained significant interest in recent years due to their promising applications in cost-effective and environmentally friendly energy conversion. Among various factors that affect their performance, water content plays an important role in the conductivity and stability of AEMs. However, the effect of the hydration level on the microstructure of AEMs and the correlation between the microstructure and macroconductivity have not been systematically investigated. In this work, four AEMs, quaternary ammonia polysulfone, quaternary ammonia poly(N-methyl-piperidine-co-p-terphenyl) (QAPPT), and bromoalkyl-tethered poly(biphenyl alkylene)s PBPA and PBPA-co-BPP, have been studied by atomic force microscopy and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy to elucidate the correlation between the humidity-dependent surface microstructure and macroconductivity of the AEMs. We obtained phase images by atomic force microscopy and identified hydrophilic and hydrophobic domains by fitting the distribution curve of phase images, which reasonably distinguishes hydrophilic domains from hydrophobic domains of the membrane surface, and thus, the surface hydrophilic area ratio and average size could be quantitatively analyzed. The conductivities of the membranes were then measured by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy at various humidities. The joint results from atomic force microscopy and electrochemical measurements help clarify the effect of the hydration level on the microphase separation and ionic conduction of the membranes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Ding
- State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces and Department of Chemistry, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361005, China
| | - Chen-Xi Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces and Department of Chemistry, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361005, China
| | - Yi-Chang Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces and Department of Chemistry, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361005, China
| | - Mei-Xue Hu
- College of Chemistry and Molecular Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, Hubei, China
| | - Shuai Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces and Department of Chemistry, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361005, China
| | - Yu Gu
- State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces and Department of Chemistry, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361005, China
| | - Lin Zhuang
- College of Chemistry and Molecular Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, Hubei, China
| | - Qiu-Gen Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces and Department of Chemistry, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361005, China
| | - Bing-Wei Mao
- State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces and Department of Chemistry, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361005, China
| | - Jia-Wei Yan
- State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces and Department of Chemistry, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361005, China
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12
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Zhou Y, Liu Y, Xin B, Qin Y, Kuang G. Preparation and Properties of a Novel Cross-Linked Network Waterborne Polyurethane for Wood Lacquer. Polymers (Basel) 2023; 15:polym15092193. [PMID: 37177339 PMCID: PMC10181243 DOI: 10.3390/polym15092193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2023] [Revised: 04/18/2023] [Accepted: 04/29/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Waterborne polyurethane (WPU) is a waterborne coating with excellent physicochemical properties. Its deficiencies of water resistance, chemical resistance, staining, and hardness have limited the wide application of polyurethane in the wood lacquer market. In this study, polycarbonate diols (PCDL) were used as soft segments and WPCU was modified by cross-linking using Trimethylolpropane (TMP) to prepare polycarbonate type WPU (WPCU) with cross-linked network structure. The new wood lacquer was prepared by adding various additives and tested by applying it on wood board. The successful synthesis of WPCU was determined by FTIR testing, and the cross-linking degree of WPCU was probed by low-field NMR. The viscosity of the cross-linked WPCU emulsion showed a decreasing trend compared to the uncross-linked WPCU emulsion, and WPCU-2 had the smallest particle size. Compared with the uncrosslinked WPCU film, the crosslinked WPCU film had lower water absorption (2.2%), higher water contact angle (72.7°), excellent tensile strength (44.02 MPa), higher thermomechanical, and better water and alcohol resistance. The effect of crosslinker content on the microphase separation of WPCU chain segments on the surface roughness of the film was investigated by SEM. The wood paint prepared by WPCU emulsion has good dry heat resistance, chemical resistance, and adhesion, and the hardness of the wood paint when the TMP content is 3% reaches H. It also has good resistance to sticky stains, which can be used to develop new wood lacquer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanyuan Zhou
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai University of Engineering Science, Shanghai 201620, China
| | - Yan Liu
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai University of Engineering Science, Shanghai 201620, China
| | - Binjie Xin
- College of Textile and Fashion Engineering, Shanghai University of Engineering Science, Shanghai 201620, China
| | - Ying Qin
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai University of Engineering Science, Shanghai 201620, China
| | - Guankun Kuang
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai University of Engineering Science, Shanghai 201620, China
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13
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Wang W, Zhang C, Huang H, Xue B, Yang S. Ambient Environment Adaptive Elastomer Constructed by Microphase Separation and Segment Complexation of Triblock Copolymers. ACS Appl Mater Interfaces 2023; 15:22426-22434. [PMID: 37126649 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.3c02931] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Elastomers with environmental adaption have attracted considerable attention for advanced applications in various areas. Here, we fabricate an ambient environment adaptive elastomer by assembling triblock copolymers polystyrene-b-poly(acrylic acid)-b-polystyrene (SAS) and polystyrene-b-poly(ethylene oxide)-b-polystyrene (SES). Owing to the microphase separation of triblock polymers and hydrogen-bonding complexation of their middle segments, the SAS/SES complex presents dichotomy of vitrified hard PS domains and soft PAA/PEO domains, which presents major relaxation transition in the temperature zone 10-30 °C and relative humidity (RH) 40-60%. The SAS/SES elastomer presents quick adaption to the ambient environment change with temperature and humidity coupling. Moreover, after a loading-unloading cycle training, the SAS/SES elastomer exhibits domain orientation, low energy dissipation, high recovery ratio, and distinct strain stiffening compared with the pristine complex. The SAS/SES elastomer has potential to be used as a sensing and adaption component for complicated intelligent systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weijie Wang
- State Key Laboratory for Modification of Chemical Fibers and Polymer Materials, Center for Advanced Low-dimension Materials, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Donghua University, Shanghai 201620, P. R. China
| | - Caihong Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Modification of Chemical Fibers and Polymer Materials, Center for Advanced Low-dimension Materials, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Donghua University, Shanghai 201620, P. R. China
| | - Hao Huang
- State Key Laboratory for Modification of Chemical Fibers and Polymer Materials, Center for Advanced Low-dimension Materials, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Donghua University, Shanghai 201620, P. R. China
| | - Bing Xue
- State Key Laboratory for Modification of Chemical Fibers and Polymer Materials, Center for Advanced Low-dimension Materials, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Donghua University, Shanghai 201620, P. R. China
| | - Shuguang Yang
- State Key Laboratory for Modification of Chemical Fibers and Polymer Materials, Center for Advanced Low-dimension Materials, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Donghua University, Shanghai 201620, P. R. China
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14
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Krause DT, Krämer S, Siozios V, Butzelaar AJ, Dulle M, Förster B, Theato P, Mayer J, Winter M, Förster S, Wiemhöfer HD, Grünebaum M. Improved Route to Linear Triblock Copolymers by Coupling with Glycidyl Ether-Activated Poly(ethylene oxide) Chains. Polymers (Basel) 2023; 15:polym15092128. [PMID: 37177276 PMCID: PMC10180747 DOI: 10.3390/polym15092128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2023] [Revised: 04/19/2023] [Accepted: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Poly(ethylene oxide) block copolymers (PEOz BCP) have been demonstrated to exhibit remarkably high lithium ion (Li+) conductivity for Li+ batteries applications. For linear poly(isoprene)-b-poly(styrene)-b-poly(ethylene oxide) triblock copolymers (PIxPSyPEOz), a pronounced maximum ion conductivity was reported for short PEOz molecular weights around 2 kg mol-1. To later enable a systematic exploration of the influence of the PIx and PSy block lengths and related morphologies on the ion conductivity, a synthetic method is needed where the short PEOz block length can be kept constant, while the PIx and PSy block lengths could be systematically and independently varied. Here, we introduce a glycidyl ether route that allows covalent attachment of pre-synthesized glycidyl-end functionalized PEOz chains to terminate PIxPSy BCPs. The attachment proceeds to full conversion in a simplified and reproducible one-pot polymerization such that PIxPSyPEOz with narrow chain length distribution and a fixed PEOz block length of z = 1.9 kg mol-1 and a Đ = 1.03 are obtained. The successful quantitative end group modification of the PEOz block was verified by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, gel permeation chromatography (GPC) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). We demonstrate further that with a controlled casting process, ordered microphases with macroscopic long-range directional order can be fabricated, as demonstrated by small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). It has already been shown in a patent, published by us, that BCPs from the synthesis method presented here exhibit comparable or even higher ionic conductivities than those previously published. Therefore, this PEOz BCP system is ideally suitable to relate BCP morphology, order and orientation to macroscopic Li+ conductivity in Li+ batteries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel T Krause
- Helmholtz Institute Münster, IEK-12, Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, Corrensstr. 46, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Susanna Krämer
- Helmholtz Institute Münster, IEK-12, Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, Corrensstr. 46, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Vassilios Siozios
- MEET Battery Research Center, University of Münster, Corrensstr. 46, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Andreas J Butzelaar
- Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Institute for Chemical Technology and Polymer Chemistry (ITCP), Engesserstraße 18, 76131 Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Martin Dulle
- Jülich Centre for Neutron Science (JCNS-1/IBI-8), Forschungszentrum Jülich, Wilhelm-Johnen-Straße, 52425 Jülich, Germany
| | - Beate Förster
- Ernst Ruska-Centre for Microscopy and Spectroscopy with Electrons, Physics of Nanoscale Systems (ER-C-1), Forschungszentrum Jülich, Wilhelm-Johnen-Straße, 52425 Jülich, Germany
| | - Patrick Theato
- Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Institute for Chemical Technology and Polymer Chemistry (ITCP), Engesserstraße 18, 76131 Karlsruhe, Germany
- Soft Matter Synthesis Laboratory, Institute for Biological Interfaces 3 (IBG-3), Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Herrmann-von-Helmholtz-Platz 1, 76344 Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen, Germany
| | - Joachim Mayer
- Ernst Ruska-Centre for Microscopy and Spectroscopy with Electrons, Materials Science and Technology (ER-C-2), Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, Wilhelm-Johnen-Straße, Jülich 52425, Germany
- Jülich-Aachen Research Alliance, JARA, Fundamentals of Future Information Technology, Wilhelm-Johnen-Straße, 52425 Jülich, Germany
| | - Martin Winter
- Helmholtz Institute Münster, IEK-12, Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, Corrensstr. 46, 48149 Münster, Germany
- MEET Battery Research Center, University of Münster, Corrensstr. 46, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Stephan Förster
- Jülich Centre for Neutron Science (JCNS-1/IBI-8), Forschungszentrum Jülich, Wilhelm-Johnen-Straße, 52425 Jülich, Germany
- Institute of Physical Chemistry, RWTH Aachen University, Landoltweg 2, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Hans-Dieter Wiemhöfer
- Helmholtz Institute Münster, IEK-12, Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, Corrensstr. 46, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Mariano Grünebaum
- Helmholtz Institute Münster, IEK-12, Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, Corrensstr. 46, 48149 Münster, Germany
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15
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Nafar Sefiddashti MH, Edwards BJ, Khomami B. Atomistic Simulation of Flow-Induced Microphase Separation and Crystallization of an Entangled Polyethylene Melt Undergoing Uniaxial Elongational Flow and the Role of Kuhn Segment Extension. Polymers (Basel) 2023; 15:polym15081831. [PMID: 37111978 PMCID: PMC10146043 DOI: 10.3390/polym15081831] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2023] [Revised: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Atomistic simulations of the linear, entangled polyethylene C1000H2002 melt undergoing steady-state and startup conditions of uniaxial elongational flow (UEF) over a wide range of flow strength were performed using a united-atom model for the atomic interactions between the methylene groups constituting the polymer macromolecules. Rheological, topological, and microstructural properties of these nonequilibrium viscoelastic materials were computed as functions of strain rate, focusing on regions of flow strength where flow-induced phase separation and flow-induced crystallization were evident. Results of the UEF simulations were compared with those of prior simulations of planar elongational flow, which revealed that uniaxial and planar flows exhibited essentially a universal behavior, although over strain rate ranges that were not completely equivalent. At intermediate flow strength, a purely configurational microphase separation was evident that manifested as a bicontinuous phase composed of regions of highly stretched molecules that enmeshed spheroidal domains of relatively coiled chains. At high flow strength, a flow-induced crystallization (FIC) occurred, producing a semicrystalline material possessing a high degree of crystallinity and primarily a monoclinic lattice structure. This FIC phase formed at a temperature (450 K) high above the quiescent melting point (≈400 K) and remained stable after cessation of flow for temperature at or below 435 K. Careful examination of the Kuhn segments constituting the polymer chains revealed that the FIC phase only formed once the Kuhn segments had become essentially fully extended under the UEF flow field. Thermodynamic properties such as the heat of fusion and heat capacity were estimated from the simulations and found to compare favorably with experimental values.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Hadi Nafar Sefiddashti
- Materials Research and Innovation Laboratory, Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996, USA
| | - Brian J Edwards
- Materials Research and Innovation Laboratory, Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996, USA
| | - Bamin Khomami
- Materials Research and Innovation Laboratory, Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996, USA
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16
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Sims MB, Goetze JW, Gorbea GD, Gdowski ZM, Lodge TP, Bates FS. Photocrosslinkable Polymeric Bicontinuous Microemulsions. ACS Appl Mater Interfaces 2023; 15:10044-10052. [PMID: 36774627 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.2c22927] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
We present an approach to photocrosslink bicontinuous microemulsions derived from ternary blends of poly(methoxyethyl acrylate) (PM, Mn = 4200 g/mol), poly(hexyl methacrylate-co-coumarin methacrylate) (PHC, Mn = 6800 g/mol), and PM-b-PHC diblock polymer (Mn = 19,400 g/mol) in a phase-selective manner, enabling structural characterization at an unprecedented level of detail. This strategy utilizes the [2 + 2] photodimerization reaction of coumarin derivatives to covalently crosslink blends without the use of harsh reagents or disruptive thermal treatment, thus preserving the intricate network structure throughout curing. The resulting crosslinked bicontinuous microemulsions exhibited rubbery behavior at elevated temperatures, achieving an elastic shear modulus of nearly 1 MPa at 70 °C, owing to the presence of the three-dimensional co-continuous network morphology. The dimensional stabilization afforded by crosslinking further allowed the microstructure to be directly imaged by scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy. Contrary to recent theoretical findings, the BμE appears in a wide temperature and compositional window, suggesting that it is a robust feature of these blends. As a proof of concept demonstrating both the utility of bicontinuous microemulsion-derived materials and versatility of this strategy toward broader applications in energy storage and transport, the uncrosslinked portion of a cured blend was extracted by washing and replaced with an ionic liquid; the resultant heterogeneous solid electrolyte exhibited a room-temperature conductivity of 2 mS/cm, approximately one-quarter that of the pure ionic liquid.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael B Sims
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - Joshua W Goetze
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - Gabriela Diaz Gorbea
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - Zachary M Gdowski
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - Timothy P Lodge
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
- Department of Chemistry, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - Frank S Bates
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
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17
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Wang S, Tang S, He C, Wang Q. Cyclic Deformation and Fatigue Failure Mechanisms of Thermoplastic Polyurethane in High Cycle Fatigue. Polymers (Basel) 2023; 15:polym15040899. [PMID: 36850183 PMCID: PMC9958809 DOI: 10.3390/polym15040899] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2023] [Revised: 02/04/2023] [Accepted: 02/09/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2023] Open
Abstract
In this study, the main purpose is to analyze the fatigue failure of thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) plate under tension-tension load control tests (frequency = 5 Hz, stress ratio = 0.1) and consider the change in hydrogen bond content. The results show that the S-N curve of TPU material shows a downward trend before reaching the fatigue limit (10.25 MPa), and the energy is continuously consumed during the cyclic creep process and undergoes three stages of the hard segment and the soft segment changes. The infrared spectrum study shows that the increase in fatigue life will lead to more physical crosslinking, resulting in the reduction of hydrogen bond content, and the increase in microphase separation, leading to the occurrence of fatigue fracture. In addition, the scanning electron microscope and three-dimensional confocal analysis showed that the crack originated from the aggregation of micropores on the surface of the material and was accompanied by the slip of the molecular chain, the crack propagation direction was at an angle of about 45°.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuo Wang
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Chengdu University, Chengdu 610106, China
- Failure Mechanics and Engineering Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610207, China
| | - Sen Tang
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Chengdu University, Chengdu 610106, China
| | - Chao He
- Failure Mechanics and Engineering Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610207, China
- MOE Key Laboratory of Deep Earth Science and Engineering, College of Architecture and Environment, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China
- Correspondence: (C.H.); (Q.W.)
| | - Qingyuan Wang
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Chengdu University, Chengdu 610106, China
- Failure Mechanics and Engineering Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610207, China
- Correspondence: (C.H.); (Q.W.)
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18
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Duan X, Zhu X, Li G, Xia R, Qian J, Ge Q. Pyrrolidinium-Based Hyperbranched Anion Exchange Membranes with Controllable Microphase Separated Morphology for Alkaline Fuel Cells. Macromol Rapid Commun 2023; 44:e2200669. [PMID: 36153849 DOI: 10.1002/marc.202200669] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2022] [Revised: 09/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
It is well acknowledged that the microphase-separated morphology of anion exchange membranes (AEMs) is of vital importance for membrane properties utilized in alkaline fuel cells. Herein, a rigid macromolecule poly(methyldiallylamine) (PMDA) is incorporated to regulate the microphase morphology of hyperbranched AEMs. As expected, the hyperbranched poly(vinylbenzyl chloride) (HB-PVBC) is guided to distribute along PMDA chains, and longer PMDA cha leads to a more distinct microphase morphology with interconnected ionic channels. Consequently, high chloride conductivity of 10.49 mS cm-1 at 30 °C and suppressed water swelling ratio lower than 30% at 80 °C are obtained. Furthermore, the β-H of pyrrolidinium cations in the non-antiperiplanar position increases the energy barrier of β-H elimination, leading to conformationally disfavored Hofmann elimination and increased alkaline stability. This strategy is anticipated to provide a feasible way for preparing hyperbranched AEMs with clear microphase morphology and good overall properties for alkaline fuel cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoqin Duan
- Key Laboratory of Environment-Friendly Polymeric Materials of Anhui Province, School of Chemistry & Chemical Engineering, Anhui University, Hefei, 230601, P. R. China
| | - Xiang Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Environment-Friendly Polymeric Materials of Anhui Province, School of Chemistry & Chemical Engineering, Anhui University, Hefei, 230601, P. R. China
| | - Gege Li
- Key Laboratory of Environment-Friendly Polymeric Materials of Anhui Province, School of Chemistry & Chemical Engineering, Anhui University, Hefei, 230601, P. R. China
| | - Ru Xia
- Key Laboratory of Environment-Friendly Polymeric Materials of Anhui Province, School of Chemistry & Chemical Engineering, Anhui University, Hefei, 230601, P. R. China
| | - Jiasheng Qian
- Key Laboratory of Environment-Friendly Polymeric Materials of Anhui Province, School of Chemistry & Chemical Engineering, Anhui University, Hefei, 230601, P. R. China
| | - Qianqian Ge
- Key Laboratory of Environment-Friendly Polymeric Materials of Anhui Province, School of Chemistry & Chemical Engineering, Anhui University, Hefei, 230601, P. R. China
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19
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Wu X, Chen N, Hu C, Klok HA, Lee YM, Hu X. Fluorinated Poly(aryl piperidinium) Membranes for Anion Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells. Adv Mater 2023:e2210432. [PMID: 36642967 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202210432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2022] [Revised: 12/23/2022] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
Anion-exchange-membrane fuel cells (AEMFCs) are a cost-effective alternative to proton-exchange-membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs). The development of high-performance and durable AEMFCs requires highly conductive and robust anion-exchange membranes (AEMs). However, AEMs generally exhibit a trade-off between conductivity and dimensional stability. Here, a fluorination strategy to create a phase-separated morphological structure in poly(aryl piperidinium) AEMs is reported. The highly hydrophobic perfluoroalkyl side chains augment phase separation to construct interconnected hydrophilic channels for anion transport. As a result, these fluorinated PAP (FPAP) AEMs simultaneously possess high conductivity (>150 mS cm-1 at 80 °C) and high dimensional stability (swelling ratio <20% at 80 °C), excellent mechanical properties (tensile strength >80 MPa and elongation at break >40%) and chemical stability (>2000 h in 3 m KOH at 80 °C). AEMFCs with a non-precious Co-Mn spinel cathode using the present FPAP AEMs achieve an outstanding peak power density of 1.31 W cm-2 . The AEMs remain stable over 500 h of fuel cell operation at a constant current density of 0.2 A cm-2 .
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Affiliation(s)
- Xingyu Wu
- Laboratory of Inorganic Synthesis and Catalysis (LSCI), Institute of Chemical Sciences and Engineering (ISIC), École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, 1015, Switzerland
| | - Nanjun Chen
- Laboratory of Inorganic Synthesis and Catalysis (LSCI), Institute of Chemical Sciences and Engineering (ISIC), École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, 1015, Switzerland
| | - Chuan Hu
- Department of Energy Engineering, College of Engineering, Hanyang University, Seoul, 04763, South Korea
| | - Harm-Anton Klok
- Laboratoire des Polymères, Institut des Matériaux and Institut des Sciences et Ingénierie Chimiques, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, 1015, Switzerland
| | - Young Moo Lee
- Department of Energy Engineering, College of Engineering, Hanyang University, Seoul, 04763, South Korea
| | - Xile Hu
- Laboratory of Inorganic Synthesis and Catalysis (LSCI), Institute of Chemical Sciences and Engineering (ISIC), École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, 1015, Switzerland
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20
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Chen DS, Chen CH, Whang WT, Su CW. Interpenetration Networked Polyimide-Epoxy Copolymer under Kinetic and Thermodynamic Control for Anticorrosion Coating. Polymers (Basel) 2023; 15:polym15010243. [PMID: 36616591 PMCID: PMC9823349 DOI: 10.3390/polym15010243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2022] [Revised: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 12/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Epoxy (EP) was copolymerized with polyamic acid (PAA, precursor of polyimide (PI)) with termanil monomers of (1) 4,4'-Oxydianiline (ODA) and (2) pyromellitic dianhydride (PMDA) individually to form (PI-O-EP) and (PI-P-EP) copolymers. The FTIR spectrum of PI-O-EP copolymerization intermediates shows that some amide-EP linkages were formed at low temperature and were broken at higher temperature; in additoin, the released amide was available for subsequent imidization to form PI. The curing and imidization of the amide groups on PAA were determined by reaction temperature (kinetic vs. thermodynamic control). In PI-P-EP, the released amide group was very short-lived (fast imidization) and was not observed on FTIR spectra. Formation and breakage of the amide-EP linkages is the key step for EP homopolymerization and formation of the interpenetration network. PI contributed in improving thermal durability and mechanical strength without compromising EP's adhesion strength. Microphase separations were minimal at PI content less than 10 wt%. The copolymerization reaction in this study followed the "kinetic vs. thermodynamic control" principle. The copolymer has high potential for application in the field of higher-temperature anticorrosion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong-Sen Chen
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu 300, Taiwan
| | - Chun-Hua Chen
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu 300, Taiwan
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +886-3-5913463
| | - Wha-Tzong Whang
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu 300, Taiwan
| | - Chun-Wei Su
- Material and Chemical Research Laboratories, Industrial Technology Research Institute, Hsinchu 310, Taiwan
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21
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Kononova SV, Kremnev RV, Gubanova GN, Vlasova EN, Popova EN, Vylegzhanina ME, Volkov AY. Effect of Phase Heterogeneity on the Properties of Poly(vinyl alcohol)-Based Composite Pervaporation Membranes. Membranes (Basel) 2022; 12:1185. [PMID: 36557092 PMCID: PMC9783672 DOI: 10.3390/membranes12121185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2022] [Revised: 11/18/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
The structure, thermophysical characteristics, and pervaporation properties of composite membranes based on poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) are studied in dependence of the film preparation conditions. It is shown that the nature of the supramolecular organization of the composite polymer film determines which of the components of the separated mixtures of toluene and heptane predominantly penetrate through the corresponding pervaporation membrane. The observed structural effects can become more pronounced if the second component of a polymer mixture is purposefully selected (in this case, poly(N,N-dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate) instead of poly(acrylic acid)) or a nano-sized filler that can be well dispersed in the polymer matrix is introduced. Multi-wall carbon nanotubes are introduced into binary PVA-containing polymer blends. The influence of these fillers on the structure and transport properties of the obtained membranes is studied.
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22
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Wang X, Xu J, Zhang X, Yang Z, Zhang Y, Wang T, Wang Q. Molecularly Engineered Unparalleled Strength and Supertoughness of Poly(urea-urethane) with Shape Memory and Clusterization-Triggered Emission. Adv Mater 2022; 34:e2205763. [PMID: 36103729 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202205763] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2022] [Revised: 08/29/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
To address the challenge of realizing multifunctional polymers simultaneously exhibiting high strength and high toughness through molecular engineering, ultrastrong and supertough shape-memory poly(urea-urethane) (PUU) is fabricated by regulating: i) the reversible cross-links composed of rigid units and multiple hydrogen bonds, and ii) the molecular weight of soft segments. The optimal material exhibits an unparalleled strength of 84.2 MPa at a large elongation at a break of 925.6%, a superior toughness of 322.8 MJ m-3 , and remarkable fatigue resistance without fracture. The repeated stretching of this material induces an irreversible deformation, which, however, can be rapidly recovered by heating. Moreover, all samples are capable of temporary shape fixation at -40 °C (recovering the original shape at 30 °C) and exhibit blue fluorescence when excited at the optimum wavelength, which is ascribed to clusterization-triggered emission (CTE) due to the formation of microphase-separation structures. Thus, the adopted approach provides a solution to a long-standing problem and paves the way to the realization of intrinsically luminescent shape-memory materials exhibiting both ultrahigh strength and ultrahigh toughness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyue Wang
- Key Laboratory of Science and Technology on Wear and Protection of Materials, Lanzhou Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou, 730000, China
- Center of Materials Science and Optoelectronics Engineering, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Jing Xu
- Key Laboratory of Science and Technology on Wear and Protection of Materials, Lanzhou Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou, 730000, China
- Center of Materials Science and Optoelectronics Engineering, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Xinrui Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Science and Technology on Wear and Protection of Materials, Lanzhou Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou, 730000, China
| | - Zenghui Yang
- Key Laboratory of Science and Technology on Wear and Protection of Materials, Lanzhou Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou, 730000, China
| | - Yaoming Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Science and Technology on Wear and Protection of Materials, Lanzhou Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou, 730000, China
| | - Tingmei Wang
- Key Laboratory of Science and Technology on Wear and Protection of Materials, Lanzhou Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou, 730000, China
- Center of Materials Science and Optoelectronics Engineering, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Qihua Wang
- Key Laboratory of Science and Technology on Wear and Protection of Materials, Lanzhou Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou, 730000, China
- Center of Materials Science and Optoelectronics Engineering, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
- State Key Laboratory of Solid Lubrication, Lanzhou Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou, 730000, China
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23
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Yue B, Feng X, Wang C, Zhang M, Lin H, Jia X, Zhu L. In Situ Regulation of Microphase Separation-Recognized Circularly Polarized Luminescence via Photoexcitation-Induced Molecular Aggregation. ACS Nano 2022; 16:16201-16210. [PMID: 36130082 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.2c05056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Circularly polarized luminescence (CPL) has attracted great interest owing to its extensive optical information and chiral structural dependence. However, rationally regulating solid-phase CPL signals remains difficult because of the close packing of molecules in solid-state materials and the lack of structural visualization. In this work, we proposed a microphase-separation-recognized CPL regulation strategy via coassembly of a hexathiobenzene-based luminophore and chiral block copolymer (cBCP) with in situ photocontrollability. As a consequence to the continuous increase in the luminophore-to-cBCP ratio, the CPL signal of the supramolecular system exhibited an increasing trend until a critical point. Then, further increasing the ratio stretched the helical pitch of cBCP, which led to CPL reduction. With the photoexcitation-induced molecular aggregation of the luminophore, which was implemented using in situ photoirradiation, the helical pitch was retracted along with the restoration of the CPL signal. These processes were fully recognized and monitored by the microphase-separated nanomorphological change of the coassembled system, which indicated that such a structural contrast could be an effective method for rationally regulating the supramolecular chiropticity of solid-state materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bingbing Yue
- School of Materials and Chemistry, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai 200093, China
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Engineering of Polymers, Department of Macromolecular Science, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - Xicheng Feng
- School of Materials and Chemistry, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai 200093, China
| | - Cisong Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Engineering of Polymers, Department of Macromolecular Science, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - Man Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Engineering of Polymers, Department of Macromolecular Science, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - Hui Lin
- Engineering Research Center of Optical Instrument and System, Ministry of Education and Shanghai Key Lab of Modern Optical System, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai 200093, China
| | - Xiaoyong Jia
- Henan Center for Outstanding Overseas Scientists, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Henan University, Kaifeng, Henan 475004, China
| | - Liangliang Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Engineering of Polymers, Department of Macromolecular Science, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China
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24
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Bugrov AN, Gorshkova YE, Ivan'kova EM, Kopitsa GP, Pavlova AA, Popova EN, Smirnova VE, Smyslov RY, Svetlichnyi VM, Vaganov GV, Vasil'ev BV. Domain Structure, Thermal and Mechanical Properties of Polycaprolactone-Based Multiblock Polyurethane-Ureas under Control of Hard and Soft Segment Lengths. Polymers (Basel) 2022; 14. [PMID: 36236094 DOI: 10.3390/polym14194145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2022] [Revised: 09/22/2022] [Accepted: 09/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
A series of multiblock polyurethane-ureas (PUU) based on polycaprolactone diol (PCL) with a molecular mass of 530 or 2000 g/mol, as well as hard segments of different lengths and structures, were synthesized by the step-growth polymerization method. The chemical structure of the synthesized multiblock copolymers was confirmed by IR- and NMR-spectroscopy. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) were used to determine the relaxation and phase transition temperatures for the entire series of the obtained PUU. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) method made it possible to identify PUU compositions in which the crystallizability of soft segments (SS) is manifested due to their sufficient length for self-organization and structuring. Visualization of the crystal structure and disordering of the stacking of SS with an increase in their molecular mobility during heating are shown using optical microscopy. The change in the size of the hard phase domains and the value of the interdomain distance depending on the PCL molecular mass, as well as the length and structure of the hard block in the synthesized PUU, were analyzed using small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) and small-angle neutron scattering (SANS). The evolution of the domain structure upon passing through the melting and crystallization temperatures of PUU soft blocks was studied using SANS. The studies carried out made it possible to reveal the main correlations between the chemical structure of the synthesized PUU and their supramolecular organization as well as thermal and mechanical properties.
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25
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Liu Y, Wang Y, Tong C, Wei G, Ding F, Sun Y. Molecular Insights into the Self-Assembly of Block Copolymer Suckerin Polypeptides into Nanoconfined β-Sheets. Small 2022; 18:e2202642. [PMID: 35901284 PMCID: PMC9420834 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202202642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2022] [Revised: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Suckerin in squid sucker ring teeth is a block-copolymer peptide comprised of two repeating modules-the alanine and histidine-rich M1 and the glycine-rich M2. Suckerin self-assemblies display excellent thermo-plasticity and pH-responsive properties, along with the high biocompatibility, biodegradability, and sustainability. However, the self-assembly mechanism and the detailed role of each module are still elusive, limiting the capability of applying and manipulating such biomaterials. Here, the self-assembly dynamics of the two modules and two minimalist suckerin-mimetic block-copolymers, M1-M2-M1 and M2-M1-M2, in silico is investigated. The simulation results demonstrate that M2 has a stronger self-association but weaker β-sheet propensities than M1. The high self-assembly propensity of M2 allows the minimalist block-copolymer peptides to coalesce with microphase separation, enabling the formation of nanoconfined β-sheets in the matrix formed by M1-M2 contacts. Since these glycine-rich fragments with scatted hydrophobic and aromatic residues are building blocks of many other block-copolymer peptides, the study suggests that these modules function as the "molecular glue" in addition to the flexible linker or spacer to drive the self-assembly and microphase separation. The uncovered molecular insights may help understand the structure and function of suckerin and also aid in the design of functional block-copolymer peptides for nanotechnology and biomedicine applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuying Liu
- Department of Physics, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China
| | - Ying Wang
- Department of Physics, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China
| | - Chaohui Tong
- Department of Physics, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China
| | - Guanghong Wei
- State Key Laboratory of Surface Physics and Department of Physics, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Feng Ding
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, Clemson University, Clemson, SC 29634, USA
| | - Yunxiang Sun
- Department of Physics, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China
- State Key Laboratory of Surface Physics and Department of Physics, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, China
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, Clemson University, Clemson, SC 29634, USA
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26
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Liu W, Wang A, Yang R, Wu H, Shao S, Chen J, Ma Y, Li Z, Wang Y, He X, Li J, Tan H, Fu Q. Water-Triggered Stiffening of Shape-Memory Polyurethanes Composed of Hard Backbone Dangling PEG Soft Segments. Adv Mater 2022; 34:e2201914. [PMID: 35502474 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202201914] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Revised: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Shape-memory polymers (SMPs) induced by heat or water are commonly used candidates for biomedical applications. Shape recovery inevitably leads to a dramatic decrease of Young's modulus due to the enhanced flexibility of polymer chains at the transition temperature. Herein, the principle of phase-transition-induced stiffening of shape-memory metallic alloys (SMAs) is introduced to the design of molecular structures for shape-memory polyurethane (SMPUs), featuring all-hard segments composed of main chains that are attached with poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) dangling side chains. Different from conventional SMPs, they achieve a soft-to-stiff transition when shape recovers. The stiffening process is driven by water-triggered segmental rearrangement due to the incompatibility between the hard segments and the soft PEG segments. Upon hydration, the extent of microphase separation is enhanced and the hard domains are transformed to a more continuous morphology to realize more effective stress transfer. Meanwhile, such segmental rearrangement facilitates the shape-recovery process in the hydrated state despite the final increased glass transition temperature (Tg ). This work represents a novel paradigm of simultaneously integrating balanced mechanics, shape-memory property, and biocompatibility for SMPUs as materials for minimally invasive surgery such as endoluminal stents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenkai Liu
- College of Polymer Science and Engineering State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering Med‐X Center of Materials Sichuan University Chengdu 610065 China
| | - Ao Wang
- College of Polymer Science and Engineering State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering Med‐X Center of Materials Sichuan University Chengdu 610065 China
| | - Ruibo Yang
- College of Polymer Science and Engineering State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering Med‐X Center of Materials Sichuan University Chengdu 610065 China
| | - Hecheng Wu
- College of Polymer Science and Engineering State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering Med‐X Center of Materials Sichuan University Chengdu 610065 China
| | - Shuren Shao
- College of Polymer Science and Engineering State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering Med‐X Center of Materials Sichuan University Chengdu 610065 China
| | - Jinlin Chen
- College of Polymer Science and Engineering State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering Med‐X Center of Materials Sichuan University Chengdu 610065 China
| | - Yan Ma
- College of Polymer Science and Engineering State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering Med‐X Center of Materials Sichuan University Chengdu 610065 China
| | - Zhen Li
- College of Polymer Science and Engineering State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering Med‐X Center of Materials Sichuan University Chengdu 610065 China
| | - Yanchao Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery West China Hospital Sichuan University Chengdu Sichuan 610000 China
| | - Xueling He
- Laboratory Animal Center of Sichuan University Chengdu 610041 China
| | - Jiehua Li
- College of Polymer Science and Engineering State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering Med‐X Center of Materials Sichuan University Chengdu 610065 China
| | - Hong Tan
- College of Polymer Science and Engineering State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering Med‐X Center of Materials Sichuan University Chengdu 610065 China
| | - Qiang Fu
- College of Polymer Science and Engineering State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering Med‐X Center of Materials Sichuan University Chengdu 610065 China
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27
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Wang W, Xu X, Zhang C, Huang H, Zhu L, Yue K, Zhu M, Yang S. Skeletal Muscle Fibers Inspired Polymeric Actuator by Assembly of Triblock Polymers. Adv Sci (Weinh) 2022; 9:e2105764. [PMID: 35253397 PMCID: PMC9069194 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202105764] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2021] [Revised: 02/18/2022] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Inspired by the striated structure of skeletal muscle fibers, a polymeric actuator by assembling two symmetric triblock copolymers, namely, polystyrene-b-poly(acrylic acid)-b-polystyrene (SAS) and polystyrene-b-poly(ethylene oxide)-b-polystyrene (SES) is developed. Owing to the microphase separation of the triblock copolymers and hydrogen-bonding complexation of their middle segments, the SAS/SES assembly forms a lamellar structure with alternating vitrified S and hydrogen-bonded A/E association layers. The SAS/SES strip can be actuated and operate in response to environmental pH. The contraction ratio and working density of the SAS/SES actuator are approximately 50% and 90 kJ m-3 , respectively; these values are higher than those of skeletal muscle fibers. In addition, the SAS/SES actuator shows a "catch-state", that is, it can maintain force without energy consumption, which is a feature of mollusc muscle but not skeletal muscle. This study provides a biomimetic approach for the development of artificial polymeric actuators with outstanding performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weijie Wang
- State Key Laboratory for Modification of Chemical Fibers and Polymer MaterialsCenter for Advanced Low‐dimension MaterialsCollege of Materials Science and EngineeringDonghua UniversityShanghai201620P. R. China
| | - Xian Xu
- State Key Laboratory for Modification of Chemical Fibers and Polymer MaterialsCenter for Advanced Low‐dimension MaterialsCollege of Materials Science and EngineeringDonghua UniversityShanghai201620P. R. China
| | - Caihong Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Modification of Chemical Fibers and Polymer MaterialsCenter for Advanced Low‐dimension MaterialsCollege of Materials Science and EngineeringDonghua UniversityShanghai201620P. R. China
| | - Hao Huang
- State Key Laboratory for Modification of Chemical Fibers and Polymer MaterialsCenter for Advanced Low‐dimension MaterialsCollege of Materials Science and EngineeringDonghua UniversityShanghai201620P. R. China
| | - Liping Zhu
- State Key Laboratory for Modification of Chemical Fibers and Polymer MaterialsCenter for Advanced Low‐dimension MaterialsCollege of Materials Science and EngineeringDonghua UniversityShanghai201620P. R. China
| | - Kan Yue
- South China Advanced Institute for Soft Mater Science and TechnologySchool of Molecular Science and EngineeringSouth China University of TechnologyGuangzhou510640P. R. China
| | - Meifang Zhu
- State Key Laboratory for Modification of Chemical Fibers and Polymer MaterialsCenter for Advanced Low‐dimension MaterialsCollege of Materials Science and EngineeringDonghua UniversityShanghai201620P. R. China
| | - Shuguang Yang
- State Key Laboratory for Modification of Chemical Fibers and Polymer MaterialsCenter for Advanced Low‐dimension MaterialsCollege of Materials Science and EngineeringDonghua UniversityShanghai201620P. R. China
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28
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Azhdari S, Herrmann F, Coban D, Linders J, Gröschel AH. Confinement-Assembly of Terpolymer-based Janus Nanoparticles. Macromol Rapid Commun 2022; 43:e2100932. [PMID: 35377525 DOI: 10.1002/marc.202100932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2021] [Revised: 03/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
While the confinement assembly of block copolymers (BCPs) into functional microparticles has been extensively studied, little is known about the behavior of Janus nanoparticles (JNPs) in spherical confinement. Here, we investigate the confinement self-assembly of JNPs in drying emulsion droplets and compare their behavior to their ABC triblock terpolymer precursor. Emulsions of both materials were prepared using Shirasu Porous Glass (SPG) membranes leading to narrow size distributions of the microparticles with average hydrodynamic radii in the range of Rh = 250 - 500 nm (depending on the pore radius, Rpore ). The internal structure of the microparticles was verified with transmission electron microscopy (TEM) on ultrathin cross-sections and compared to the corresponding bulk morphologies. While the confinement-assembly of terpolymers resulted in microparticles with ordered inner morphologies, order for JNPs diminished when the Janus balance (JB) deviated from parity. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suna Azhdari
- Physical Chemistry, University of Münster Corrensstraße 28-30, Münster, 48149, Germany
| | - Fabian Herrmann
- Pharmaceutical Biology and Phytochemistry, University of Münster Corrensstrasse 48, Münster, 48149, Germany
| | - Deniz Coban
- Physical Chemistry, University of Münster Corrensstraße 28-30, Münster, 48149, Germany
| | - Jürgen Linders
- Physical Chemistry, University Duisburg-Essen Universitätsstr. 2, Essen, 45141, Germany
| | - André H Gröschel
- Physical Chemistry, University of Münster Corrensstraße 28-30, Münster, 48149, Germany
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29
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Wang W, Sun S, Hu S, Yang B, He S, Wang R, Zhang L. Unprecedented Strength Polysiloxane-Based Polyurethane for 3D Printing and Shape Memory. ACS Appl Mater Interfaces 2022; 14:3324-3333. [PMID: 34984903 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.1c22353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Thermoplastic polysiloxane-based polyurethane (Si-TPU) has been attracting a great deal of attention because of the dual advantages of polysiloxane and polyurethane. However, the strength of Si-TPU with a traditional structure is low, and improvement is urgently needed for diverse applications. Herein, we design a polysiloxane-based soft segment (SS) with two urethane groups at the end of the polysiloxane chain, and then we prepare a series of Si-TPUs through a designed SS, isophorone diisocyanate and 1,4-butanediol. Such structural design improves the polarity of the SS and endows more regular hydrogen bonds to the polymer molecular chain. As a result, the prepared Si-TPUs exhibit a good microphase separation structure, unprecedentedly high strength, repeatable processing, noncytotoxicity, shape memory properties, and three-dimensional printing capabilities. Moreover, a maximum tensile strength of Si-TPUs can reach 20.3 MPa, exceeding that of other existing Si-based polymer materials. Si-TPUs show great potential for biomedical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wencai Wang
- Key Laboratory of Beijing City on Preparation and Processing of Novel Polymer Materials, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, China
- Beijing Engineering Research Center of Advanced Elastomers, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, China
- Engineering Research Center of Elastomer Materials on Energy Conservation and Resources, Ministry of Education, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Siao Sun
- Key Laboratory of Beijing City on Preparation and Processing of Novel Polymer Materials, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Shikai Hu
- Key Laboratory of Beijing City on Preparation and Processing of Novel Polymer Materials, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, China
- Beijing Engineering Research Center of Advanced Elastomers, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, China
- Engineering Research Center of Elastomer Materials on Energy Conservation and Resources, Ministry of Education, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Bin Yang
- Key Laboratory of Beijing City on Preparation and Processing of Novel Polymer Materials, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Shaoyun He
- Key Laboratory of Beijing City on Preparation and Processing of Novel Polymer Materials, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Runguo Wang
- Key Laboratory of Beijing City on Preparation and Processing of Novel Polymer Materials, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, China
- Beijing Engineering Research Center of Advanced Elastomers, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, China
- Engineering Research Center of Elastomer Materials on Energy Conservation and Resources, Ministry of Education, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Liqun Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Beijing City on Preparation and Processing of Novel Polymer Materials, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, China
- Beijing Engineering Research Center of Advanced Elastomers, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, China
- Engineering Research Center of Elastomer Materials on Energy Conservation and Resources, Ministry of Education, Beijing 100029, China
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30
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Zhao Y, Shou T, Fu S, Qin X, Hu S, Zhao X, Zhang L. Controllable Design and Preparation of Hydroxyl-Terminated Solution-Polymerized Styrene Butadiene for Polyurethane Elastomers with High-Damping Properties. Macromol Rapid Commun 2022; 43:e2100692. [PMID: 35014119 DOI: 10.1002/marc.202100692] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2021] [Revised: 12/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Vibration and noise are ubiquitous in social life, which severely damage machinery and adversely affect human health. Thus, the development of materials with high-damping performance is of great importance. Rubbers are typically used as damping materials because of their unique viscoelasticity. However, they do not satisfy the requirements of different applications with various working conditions. In this study, the advantages of the high loss factor of styrene butadiene rubber (SBR) are combined with the strong designability of polyurethane. Hydroxyl-terminated solution-polymerized styrene butadiene rubbers (HTSSBRs) with different structures are prepared using anionic polymerization. HTSSBRs are then used as the soft segment during the synthesis of temperature-tunable high-damping performance polyurethane (HTSSBR-polyurethane (PU)). The prepared HTSSBR-PUs with different structures exhibit excellent loss performance, a maximum loss factor (tan δmax ) of above 1.60, and an effective damping performance over a wide temperature range compared to traditional SBR and polyurethane. Therefore, this work offers an effective method for the design of damping materials with adjustable properties. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongkai Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Beijing City on Preparation and Processing of Novel Polymer Materials, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, 100029, China
| | - Tao Shou
- Key Laboratory of Beijing City on Preparation and Processing of Novel Polymer Materials, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, 100029, China
| | - Siwei Fu
- Key Laboratory of Beijing City on Preparation and Processing of Novel Polymer Materials, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, 100029, China
| | - Xuan Qin
- Key Laboratory of Beijing City on Preparation and Processing of Novel Polymer Materials, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, 100029, China
| | - Shikai Hu
- Key Laboratory of Beijing City on Preparation and Processing of Novel Polymer Materials, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, 100029, China.,Beijing Engineering Research Center of Advanced Elastomers, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, 100029, China.,Engineering Research Center of Elastomer Materials on Energy Conservation and Resources, Ministry of Education, Beijing, 100029, China
| | - Xiuying Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Beijing City on Preparation and Processing of Novel Polymer Materials, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, 100029, China.,Beijing Engineering Research Center of Advanced Elastomers, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, 100029, China.,Engineering Research Center of Elastomer Materials on Energy Conservation and Resources, Ministry of Education, Beijing, 100029, China
| | - Liqun Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Beijing City on Preparation and Processing of Novel Polymer Materials, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, 100029, China.,Beijing Engineering Research Center of Advanced Elastomers, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, 100029, China.,Engineering Research Center of Elastomer Materials on Energy Conservation and Resources, Ministry of Education, Beijing, 100029, China
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31
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Merekalov AS, Derikov YI, Artemov VV, Ezhov AA, Kudryavtsev YV. Vertical Cylinder-to-Lamella Transition in Thin Block Copolymer Films Induced by In-Plane Electric Field. Polymers (Basel) 2021; 13:3959. [PMID: 34833258 PMCID: PMC8622010 DOI: 10.3390/polym13223959] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2021] [Revised: 11/10/2021] [Accepted: 11/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Morphological transition between hexagonal and lamellar patterns in thin polystyrene-block-poly(4-vinyl pyridine) films simultaneously exposed to a strong in-plane electric field and saturated solvent vapor is studied with atomic force and scanning electron microscopy. In these conditions, standing cylinders made of 4-vinyl pyridine blocks arrange into threads up to tens of microns long along the field direction and then partially merge into standing lamellas. In the course of rearrangement, the copolymer remains strongly segregated, with the minor component domains keeping connectivity between the film surfaces. The ordering tendency becomes more pronounced if the cylinders are doped with Au nanorods, which can increase their dielectric permittivity. Non-selective chloroform vapor works particularly well, though it causes partial etching of the indium tin oxide cathode. On the contrary, 1,4-dioxane vapor selective to polystyrene matrix does not allow for any morphological changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexey S. Merekalov
- Topchiev Institute of Petrochemical Synthesis, Russian Academy of Sciences, 119991 Moscow, Russia; (A.S.M.); (Y.I.D.); (A.A.E.)
| | - Yaroslav I. Derikov
- Topchiev Institute of Petrochemical Synthesis, Russian Academy of Sciences, 119991 Moscow, Russia; (A.S.M.); (Y.I.D.); (A.A.E.)
| | - Vladimir V. Artemov
- Shubnikov Institute of Crystallography, Federal Scientific Research Centre “Crystallography and Photonics”, Russian Academy of Sciences, 119333 Moscow, Russia;
| | - Alexander A. Ezhov
- Topchiev Institute of Petrochemical Synthesis, Russian Academy of Sciences, 119991 Moscow, Russia; (A.S.M.); (Y.I.D.); (A.A.E.)
- Faculty of Physics, Lomonosov Moscow State University, 119991 Moscow, Russia
| | - Yaroslav V. Kudryavtsev
- Topchiev Institute of Petrochemical Synthesis, Russian Academy of Sciences, 119991 Moscow, Russia; (A.S.M.); (Y.I.D.); (A.A.E.)
- Frumkin Institute of Physical Chemistry and Electrochemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 119071 Moscow, Russia
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Khan M, Guimarães TR, Kuchel RP, Moad G, Perrier S, Zetterlund PB. Synthesis of Multicompositional Onion-like Nanoparticles via RAFT Emulsion Polymerization. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2021; 60:23281-23288. [PMID: 34411397 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202108159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2021] [Revised: 08/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Synthesis of multicompositional polymeric nanoparticles of diameters 100-150 nm comprising well-defined multiblock copolymers reaching from the particle surface to the particle core was conducted using surfactant-free aqueous macroRAFT emulsion polymerization. The imposed constraints on chain mobility as well as chemical incompatibility between the blocks result in microphase separation, leading to formation of an onion-like multilayered particle morphology with individual layer thicknesses of approximately 20 nm. The approach provides considerable versatility in particle morphology design as the composition of individual layers as well as the number of layers can be tailored as desired, offering more complex particle design compared to approaches relying on self-assembly of preformed diblock copolymers within particles. Microphase separation can occur in these systems under conditions where the corresponding bulk system would not theoretically result in microphase separation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Murtaza Khan
- Cluster for Advanced Macromolecular Design (CAMD), School of Chemical Engineering, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | - Thiago R Guimarães
- Cluster for Advanced Macromolecular Design (CAMD), School of Chemical Engineering, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | - Rhiannon P Kuchel
- Electron Microscope Unit, Mark Wainwright Analytical Centre, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | - Graeme Moad
- CSIRO Manufacturing, Bag 10, Clayton South, VIC, 3169, Australia
| | - Sébastien Perrier
- Department of Chemistry, University of Warwick, Coventry, CV4 7AL, UK.,Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, CV4 7AL, UK.,Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, 381 Royal Parade, Parkville, Victoria, 3052, Australia
| | - Per B Zetterlund
- Cluster for Advanced Macromolecular Design (CAMD), School of Chemical Engineering, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
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Que YH, Shi Y, Liu LZ, Wang YX, Wang CC, Zhang HC, Han XY. The Crystallisation, Microphase Separation and Mechanical Properties of the Mixture of Ether-Based TPU with Different Ester-Based TPUs. Polymers (Basel) 2021; 13:polym13203475. [PMID: 34685234 PMCID: PMC8538422 DOI: 10.3390/polym13203475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2021] [Revised: 09/30/2021] [Accepted: 10/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
The difference in compatibility at the molecular level can lead to a change of microphase separation structure of thermoplastic polyurethanes blend systems, which will improve their thermal and mechanical properties. In this study, TDI-polyester based TPU was blended with MDI-polyether-based TPU and MDI-polyester based TPU, with different ratios. In the blend system, the obvious reduction of the melting temperature of the high-temperature TDI-polyester based TPU component indicates its hard segments can be mutually integrated with the other component. For TDI-polyester based TPU/MDI-polyether based TPU blends, their similar hard segment ratio and similar chemical structure of the soft segment give the molecular chains of the two components better compatibility. The aggregation structure of the two kinds of chains can rearrange at the molecular level which makes the hard domains mutually integrate to form a new phase separation structure with larger phase region distance. As a result, the yield strength of this blend increased by almost 143% when the elongation at break was only reduced by 12%. In contrast, the other group of blends still partly maintain their respective micro domains, forming a weak interface and leading to a decreased of elongation at break.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Hui Que
- Advanced Manufacturing Institute of Polymer Industry, Shenyang University of Chemical Technology, Shenyang 110142, China; (Y.-H.Q.); (L.-Z.L.); (Y.-X.W.); (C.-C.W.); (H.-C.Z.); (X.-Y.H.)
- College of Materials Science and Engineering, Shenyang University of Chemical Technology, Shenyang 110142, China
| | - Ying Shi
- Advanced Manufacturing Institute of Polymer Industry, Shenyang University of Chemical Technology, Shenyang 110142, China; (Y.-H.Q.); (L.-Z.L.); (Y.-X.W.); (C.-C.W.); (H.-C.Z.); (X.-Y.H.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +86-188-0400-2095
| | - Li-Zhi Liu
- Advanced Manufacturing Institute of Polymer Industry, Shenyang University of Chemical Technology, Shenyang 110142, China; (Y.-H.Q.); (L.-Z.L.); (Y.-X.W.); (C.-C.W.); (H.-C.Z.); (X.-Y.H.)
| | - Yuan-Xia Wang
- Advanced Manufacturing Institute of Polymer Industry, Shenyang University of Chemical Technology, Shenyang 110142, China; (Y.-H.Q.); (L.-Z.L.); (Y.-X.W.); (C.-C.W.); (H.-C.Z.); (X.-Y.H.)
| | - Chen-Chen Wang
- Advanced Manufacturing Institute of Polymer Industry, Shenyang University of Chemical Technology, Shenyang 110142, China; (Y.-H.Q.); (L.-Z.L.); (Y.-X.W.); (C.-C.W.); (H.-C.Z.); (X.-Y.H.)
- College of Materials Science and Engineering, Shenyang University of Chemical Technology, Shenyang 110142, China
| | - Hai-Chao Zhang
- Advanced Manufacturing Institute of Polymer Industry, Shenyang University of Chemical Technology, Shenyang 110142, China; (Y.-H.Q.); (L.-Z.L.); (Y.-X.W.); (C.-C.W.); (H.-C.Z.); (X.-Y.H.)
- College of Materials Science and Engineering, Shenyang University of Chemical Technology, Shenyang 110142, China
| | - Xu-Yang Han
- Advanced Manufacturing Institute of Polymer Industry, Shenyang University of Chemical Technology, Shenyang 110142, China; (Y.-H.Q.); (L.-Z.L.); (Y.-X.W.); (C.-C.W.); (H.-C.Z.); (X.-Y.H.)
- College of Materials Science and Engineering, Shenyang University of Chemical Technology, Shenyang 110142, China
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Osipov MA, Gorkunov MV, Antonov AA, Berezkin AV, Kudryavtsev YV. Liquid-Crystal Ordering and Microphase Separation in the Lamellar Phase of Rod-Coil-Rod Triblock Copolymers. Molecular Theory and Computer Simulations. Polymers (Basel) 2021; 13:3392. [PMID: 34641206 DOI: 10.3390/polym13193392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2021] [Revised: 09/24/2021] [Accepted: 09/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
A molecular model of the orientationally ordered lamellar phase exhibited by asymmetric rod-coil-rod triblock copolymers has been developed using the density-functional approach and generalizing the molecular-statistical theory of rod-coil diblock copolymers. An approximate expression for the free energy of the lamellar phase has been obtained in terms of the direct correlation functions of the system, the Flory-Huggins parameter and the Maier-Saupe orientational interaction potential between rods. A detailed derivation of several rod-rod and rod-coil density-density correlation functions required to evaluate the free energy is presented. The orientational and translational order parameters of rod and coil segments depending on the temperature and triblock asymmetry have been calculated numerically by direct minimization of the free energy. Different structure and ordering of the lamellar phase at high and low values of the triblock asymmetry is revealed and analyzed in detail. Asymmetric rod-coil-rod triblock copolymers have been simulated using the method of dissipative particle dynamics in the broad range of the Flory-Huggins parameter and for several values of the triblock asymmetry. It has been found that the lamellar phase appears to be the most stable one at strong segregation. The density distribution of the coil segments and the segments of the two different rods have been determined for different values of the segregation strength. The simulations confirm the existence of a weakly ordered lamellar phase predicted by the density-functional theory, in which the short rods separate from the long ones and are characterized by weak positional ordering.
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Hu Y, Barbier L, Li Z, Ji X, Le Blay H, Hourdet D, Sanson N, Lam JWY, Marcellan A, Tang BZ. Hydrophilicity-Hydrophobicity Transformation, Thermoresponsive Morphomechanics, and Crack Multifurcation Revealed by AIEgens in Mechanically Strong Hydrogels. Adv Mater 2021; 33:e2101500. [PMID: 34350646 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202101500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2021] [Revised: 05/21/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Biomimetic exploration of stimuli-responsive and crack-resistant hydrogels is of great academic and practical significance, although the rational design of tough hydrogels is limited by insufficient mechanism study due to the lack of imaging techniques to "see" hydrogels at mesoscale level. A series of composite hydrogels with compartmentalized thermal response is designed by incorporating aggregation- and polarity-sensitive fluorescent probes in a poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM) network grafted with poly(N,N-dimethylacrylamide) side-chains. The fluorescence technique is explored as a powerful tool to directly visualize their hydrophilicity-hydrophobicity transformation and the composition-dependent microphase separation. Based on the morphological observation and mechanical measurements, the concept of morphomechanics with a comprehensive mechanism clarification is proposed. In this regard, the thermoresponsive toughening is attributed to the formation of multiple noncovalent interactions and the conformational changes of PNIPAM chains. The enhanced fracture energy by crack multifurcation is related to the tearing-like disruption of weak interfaces between the separated phases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yubing Hu
- Department of Chemistry, the Hong Kong Branch of Chinese National Engineering Research Center for Tissue Restoration and Reconstruction, Institute for Advanced Study, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macro Joint Laboratory of Optoelectronic and Magnetic Functional Materials, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong, 999077, China
- HKUST-Shenzhen Research Institute, No. 9 Yuexing 1st RD, South Area, Hi-tech Park Nanshan, Shenzhen, 518057, China
| | - Lucile Barbier
- Soft Matter Sciences and Engineering, ESPCI Paris, PSL Research University, Sorbonne Universités, Laboratoire Sciences et Ingénierie de la Matière Molle CNRS, 10 Rue Vauquelin, Paris, 75005, France
| | - Zhao Li
- Department of Chemistry, the Hong Kong Branch of Chinese National Engineering Research Center for Tissue Restoration and Reconstruction, Institute for Advanced Study, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macro Joint Laboratory of Optoelectronic and Magnetic Functional Materials, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong, 999077, China
| | - Xiaofan Ji
- Department of Chemistry, the Hong Kong Branch of Chinese National Engineering Research Center for Tissue Restoration and Reconstruction, Institute for Advanced Study, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macro Joint Laboratory of Optoelectronic and Magnetic Functional Materials, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong, 999077, China
| | - Heiva Le Blay
- Soft Matter Sciences and Engineering, ESPCI Paris, PSL Research University, Sorbonne Universités, Laboratoire Sciences et Ingénierie de la Matière Molle CNRS, 10 Rue Vauquelin, Paris, 75005, France
| | - Dominique Hourdet
- Soft Matter Sciences and Engineering, ESPCI Paris, PSL Research University, Sorbonne Universités, Laboratoire Sciences et Ingénierie de la Matière Molle CNRS, 10 Rue Vauquelin, Paris, 75005, France
| | - Nicolas Sanson
- Soft Matter Sciences and Engineering, ESPCI Paris, PSL Research University, Sorbonne Universités, Laboratoire Sciences et Ingénierie de la Matière Molle CNRS, 10 Rue Vauquelin, Paris, 75005, France
| | - Jacky W Y Lam
- Department of Chemistry, the Hong Kong Branch of Chinese National Engineering Research Center for Tissue Restoration and Reconstruction, Institute for Advanced Study, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macro Joint Laboratory of Optoelectronic and Magnetic Functional Materials, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong, 999077, China
- HKUST-Shenzhen Research Institute, No. 9 Yuexing 1st RD, South Area, Hi-tech Park Nanshan, Shenzhen, 518057, China
| | - Alba Marcellan
- Soft Matter Sciences and Engineering, ESPCI Paris, PSL Research University, Sorbonne Universités, Laboratoire Sciences et Ingénierie de la Matière Molle CNRS, 10 Rue Vauquelin, Paris, 75005, France
| | - Ben Zhong Tang
- Department of Chemistry, the Hong Kong Branch of Chinese National Engineering Research Center for Tissue Restoration and Reconstruction, Institute for Advanced Study, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macro Joint Laboratory of Optoelectronic and Magnetic Functional Materials, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong, 999077, China
- HKUST-Shenzhen Research Institute, No. 9 Yuexing 1st RD, South Area, Hi-tech Park Nanshan, Shenzhen, 518057, China
- Center for Aggregation-Induced Emission, SCUT-HKUST Joint Research Institute, State Key Laboratory of Luminescent Materials and Devices, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510640, China
- AIE institute, Guangzhou Development Distinct, Huangpu, Guangzhou, 510530, China
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Butzelaar AJ, Röring P, Mach TP, Hoffmann M, Jeschull F, Wilhelm M, Winter M, Brunklaus G, Théato P. Styrene-Based Poly(ethylene oxide) Side-Chain Block Copolymers as Solid Polymer Electrolytes for High-Voltage Lithium-Metal Batteries. ACS Appl Mater Interfaces 2021; 13:39257-39270. [PMID: 34374509 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.1c08841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Herein, we report the design of styrene-based poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) side-chain block copolymers featuring a microphase separation and their application as solid polymer electrolytes in high-voltage lithium-metal batteries. A straightforward synthesis was established, overcoming typical drawbacks of PEO block copolymers prepared by anionic polymerization or ester-based PEO side-chain copolymers. Both the PEO side-chain length and the LiTFSI content were varied, and the underlying relationships were elucidated in view of polymer compositions with high ionic conductivity. Subsequently, a selected composition was subjected to further analyses, including phase-separated morphology, providing not only excellent self-standing films with intrinsic mechanical stability but also the ability to suppress lithium dendrite growth as well as good flexibility, wettability, and good contacts with the electrodes. Furthermore, good thermal and electrochemical stability was demonstrated. To do so, linear sweep and cyclic voltammetry, lithium plating/stripping tests, and galvanostatic overcharging using high-voltage cathodes were conducted, demonstrating stable lithium-metal interfaces and a high oxidative stability of around 4.75 V. Consequently, cycling of Li||NMC622 cells did not exhibit commonly observed rapid cell failure or voltage noise associated with PEO-based electrolytes in Li||NMC622 cells, attributed to the high mechanical stability. A comprehensive view is provided, highlighting that the combination of PEO and high-voltage cathodes is not impossible per se.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas J Butzelaar
- Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Institute for Chemical Technology and Polymer Chemistry (ITCP), Engesserstraße 18, 76131 Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Philipp Röring
- Helmholtz-Institute Münster, IEK-12, Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, Corrensstraße 46, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Tim P Mach
- Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Institute for Chemical Technology and Polymer Chemistry (ITCP), Engesserstraße 18, 76131 Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Maxi Hoffmann
- Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Institute for Chemical Technology and Polymer Chemistry (ITCP), Engesserstraße 18, 76131 Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Fabian Jeschull
- Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Institute for Applied Materials-Energy Storage Systems (IAM-ESS), Hermann-von-Helmholtz-Platz 1, 76344 Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen, Germany
| | - Manfred Wilhelm
- Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Institute for Chemical Technology and Polymer Chemistry (ITCP), Engesserstraße 18, 76131 Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Martin Winter
- Helmholtz-Institute Münster, IEK-12, Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, Corrensstraße 46, 48149 Münster, Germany
- MEET Battery Research Center/Institute of Physical Chemistry, University of Münster, Corrensstraße 46, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Gunther Brunklaus
- Helmholtz-Institute Münster, IEK-12, Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, Corrensstraße 46, 48149 Münster, Germany
- MEET Battery Research Center/Institute of Physical Chemistry, University of Münster, Corrensstraße 46, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Patrick Théato
- Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Institute for Chemical Technology and Polymer Chemistry (ITCP), Engesserstraße 18, 76131 Karlsruhe, Germany
- Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Soft Matter Laboratory-Institute for Biological Interfaces III (IBG-3), Hermann-von-Helmholtz-Platz 1, 76344 Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen, Germany
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Liu B, Chen X, Spiering GA, Moore RB, Long TE. Quadruple Hydrogen Bond-Containing A-AB-A Triblock Copolymers: Probing the Influence of Hydrogen Bonding in the Central Block. Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26154705. [PMID: 34361857 PMCID: PMC8348091 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26154705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2021] [Revised: 07/30/2021] [Accepted: 07/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
This work reveals the influence of pendant hydrogen bonding strength and distribution on self-assembly and the resulting thermomechanical properties of A-AB-A triblock copolymers. Reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer polymerization afforded a library of A-AB-A acrylic triblock copolymers, wherein the A unit contained cytosine acrylate (CyA) or post-functionalized ureido cytosine acrylate (UCyA) and the B unit consisted of n-butyl acrylate (nBA). Differential scanning calorimetry revealed two glass transition temperatures, suggesting microphase-separation in the A-AB-A triblock copolymers. Thermomechanical and morphological analysis revealed the effects of hydrogen bonding distribution and strength on the self-assembly and microphase-separated morphology. Dynamic mechanical analysis showed multiple tan delta (δ) transitions that correlated to chain relaxation and hydrogen bonding dissociation, further confirming the microphase-separated structure. In addition, UCyA triblock copolymers possessed an extended modulus plateau versus temperature compared to the CyA analogs due to the stronger association of quadruple hydrogen bonding. CyA triblock copolymers exhibited a cylindrical microphase-separated morphology according to small-angle X-ray scattering. In contrast, UCyA triblock copolymers lacked long-range ordering due to hydrogen bonding induced phase mixing. The incorporation of UCyA into the soft central block resulted in improved tensile strength, extensibility, and toughness compared to the AB random copolymer and A-B-A triblock copolymer comparisons. This study provides insight into the structure-property relationships of A-AB-A supramolecular triblock copolymers that result from tunable association strengths.
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Affiliation(s)
- Boer Liu
- Biodesign Center for Sustainable Macromolecular Materials and Manufacturing, School of Molecular Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85281, USA;
| | - Xi Chen
- Department of Chemistry, Macromolecules Innovation Institute (MII), Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA; (X.C.); (G.A.S.); (R.B.M.)
| | - Glenn A. Spiering
- Department of Chemistry, Macromolecules Innovation Institute (MII), Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA; (X.C.); (G.A.S.); (R.B.M.)
| | - Robert B. Moore
- Department of Chemistry, Macromolecules Innovation Institute (MII), Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA; (X.C.); (G.A.S.); (R.B.M.)
| | - Timothy E. Long
- Biodesign Center for Sustainable Macromolecular Materials and Manufacturing, School of Molecular Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85281, USA;
- Correspondence:
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Watanabe K, Kaizawa N, Ree BJ, Yamamoto T, Tajima K, Isono T, Satoh T. One-Shot Intrablock Cross-Linking of Linear Diblock Copolymer to Realize Janus-Shaped Single-Chain Nanoparticles. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2021; 60:18122-18128. [PMID: 34041829 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202103969] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2021] [Revised: 05/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Developing an efficient and versatile process to transform a single linear polymer chain into a shape-defined nanoobject is a major challenge in the fields of chemistry and nanotechnology to replicate sophisticated biological functions of proteins and nucleic acids in a synthetic polymer system. In this study, we performed one-shot intrablock cross-linking of linear block copolymers (BCPs) to realize single-chain nanoparticles (SCNPs) with two chemically compartmentalized domains (Janus-shaped SCNPs). Detailed structural characterizations of the Janus-shaped SCNP composed of polystyrene-block-poly(glycolic acid) revealed its compactly folded conformation and compartmentalized block localization, similar to the self-folded tertiary structures of natural proteins. Versatility of the one-shot intrablock cross-linking was demonstrated using several different BCP precursors. In addition, the Janus-shaped SCNP produce miniscule microphase-separated structures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kodai Watanabe
- Graduate School of Chemical Sciences and Engineering, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, 060-8628, Japan
| | - Noya Kaizawa
- Graduate School of Chemical Sciences and Engineering, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, 060-8628, Japan
| | - Brian J Ree
- Faculty of Engineering, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, 060-8628, Japan
| | - Takuya Yamamoto
- Faculty of Engineering, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, 060-8628, Japan
| | - Kenji Tajima
- Faculty of Engineering, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, 060-8628, Japan
| | - Takuya Isono
- Faculty of Engineering, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, 060-8628, Japan
| | - Toshifumi Satoh
- Faculty of Engineering, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, 060-8628, Japan
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Yamazaki T, Yamamoto T, Yoshino H, Souquere S, Nakagawa S, Pierron G, Hirose T. Paraspeckles are constructed as block copolymer micelles. EMBO J 2021; 40:e107270. [PMID: 33885174 PMCID: PMC8204865 DOI: 10.15252/embj.2020107270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2020] [Revised: 03/14/2021] [Accepted: 03/18/2021] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Paraspeckles are constructed by NEAT1_2 architectural long noncoding RNAs. Their characteristic cylindrical shapes, with highly ordered internal organization, distinguish them from typical liquid-liquid phase-separated condensates. We experimentally and theoretically investigated how the shape and organization of paraspeckles are determined. We identified the NEAT1_2 RNA domains responsible for shell localization of the NEAT1_2 ends, which determine the characteristic internal organization. Using the soft matter physics, we then applied a theoretical framework to understand the principles that determine NEAT1_2 organization as well as shape, number, and size of paraspeckles. By treating paraspeckles as amphipathic block copolymer micelles, we could explain and predict the experimentally observed behaviors of paraspeckles upon NEAT1_2 domain deletions or transcriptional modulation. Thus, we propose that paraspeckles are block copolymer micelles assembled through a type of microphase separation, micellization. This work provides an experiment-based theoretical framework for the concept that ribonucleoprotein complexes (RNPs) can act as block copolymers to form RNA-scaffolding biomolecular condensates with optimal sizes and structures in cells.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Tetsuya Yamamoto
- Institute for Chemical Reaction Design and DiscoveryHokkaido UniversitySapporoJapan
| | - Hyura Yoshino
- Institute for Genetic MedicineHokkaido UniversitySapporoJapan
| | | | | | - Gerard Pierron
- Centre National de la Recherche ScientifiqueUMR‐9196Gustave RoussyVillejuifFrance
| | - Tetsuro Hirose
- Graduate School of Frontier BiosciencesOsaka UniversitySuitaJapan
- Institute for Genetic MedicineHokkaido UniversitySapporoJapan
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40
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Ostanin SA, Mokeev MV, Pikhurov DV, Sakhatskii AS, Zuev VV. Interplay of Structural Factors in Formation of Microphase-Separated or Microphase-Mixed Structures of Polyurethanes Revealed by Solid-State NMR and Dielectric Spectroscopy. Polymers (Basel) 2021; 13:1967. [PMID: 34198643 DOI: 10.3390/polym13121967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2021] [Revised: 06/10/2021] [Accepted: 06/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
A set of aromatic-oxyaliphatic polyurethanes (PUs) with different mass fractions of components also containing fluorinated fragments was synthesized and studied using various solid-state NMR techniques and dielectric spectroscopy. In contrast to the common model suggested by Cooper and Tobolsky in 1966, the rigid domains of microphase separated PUs are formed, not only by units containing urethane bonds, but also by oxyethylene fragments that form a common rigid phase. The urethane bonds and oxyethylene fragments are incorporated into both rigid and soft phases. Good agreement with the Cooper and Tobolsky model is observed only when solubility parameters are significantly different for the hard and soft segments, such as hydrocarbon aromatics and perfluoroaliphatic blocks.
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Ghoshal T, Collins TW, Biswas S, A Morris M, Holmes JD. Structural Evolution of Nanophase Separated Block Copolymer Patterns in Supercritical CO 2. Nanomaterials (Basel) 2021; 11:669. [PMID: 33800510 DOI: 10.3390/nano11030669] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2021] [Revised: 03/01/2021] [Accepted: 03/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Nanopatterns can readily be formed by annealing block copolymers (BCPs) in organic solvents at moderate or high temperatures. However, this approach can be challenging from an environmental and industrial point of view. Herein, we describe a simple and environmentally friendly alternative to achieve periodically ordered nanoscale phase separated BCP structures. Asymmetric polystyrene-b-poly(ethylene oxide) (PS-b-PEO) thin film patterns of different molecular weight were achieved by annealing in supercritical carbon dioxide (sc-CO2). Microphase separation of PS-b-PEO (16,000–5000) film patterns were achieved by annealing in scCO2 at a relatively low temperature was previously reported by our group. The effects of annealing temperature, time and depressurisation rates for the polymer system were also discussed. In this article, we have expanded this study to create new knowledge on the structural and dimensional evolution of nanohole and line/space surface periodicity of four other different molecular weights PS-b-PEO systems. Periodic, well defined, hexagonally ordered films of line and hole patterns were obtained at low CO2 temperatures (35–40 °C) and pressures (1200–1300 psi). Further, the changes in morphology, ordering and feature sizes for a new PS-b-PEO system (42,000–11,500) are discussed in detail upon changing the scCO2 annealing parameters (temperature, film thickness, depressurization rates, etc.). In relation to our previous reports, the broad annealing temperature and depressurisation rate were explored together for different film thicknesses. In addition, the effects of SCF annealing for three other BCP systems (PEO-b-PS, PS-b-PDMS, PS-b-PLA) is also investigated with similar processing conditions. The patterns were also generated on a graphoepitaxial substrate for device application.
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Zahoranová A, Luxenhofer R. Poly(2-oxazoline)- and Poly(2-oxazine)-Based Self-Assemblies, Polyplexes, and Drug Nanoformulations-An Update. Adv Healthc Mater 2021; 10:e2001382. [PMID: 33448122 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202001382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2020] [Revised: 10/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
For many decades, poly(2-oxazoline)s and poly(2-oxazine)s, two closely related families of polymers, have led the life of a rather obscure research topic with only a few research groups world-wide working with them. This has changed in the last five to ten years, presumably triggered significantly by very promising clinical trials of the first poly(2-oxazoline)-based drug conjugate. The huge chemical and structural toolbox poly(2-oxazoline)s and poly(2-oxazine)s has been extended very significantly in the last few years, but their potential still remains largely untapped. Here, specifically, the developments in macromolecular self-assemblies and non-covalent drug delivery systems such as polyplexes and drug nanoformulations based on poly(2-oxazoline)s and poly(2-oxazine)s are reviewed. This highly dynamic field benefits particularly from the extensive synthetic toolbox poly(2-oxazoline)s and poly(2-oxazine)s offer and also may have the largest potential for a further development. It is expected that the research dynamics will remain high in the next few years, particularly as more about the safety and therapeutic potential of poly(2-oxazoline)s and poly(2-oxazine)s is learned.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Zahoranová
- Institute of Applied Synthetic Chemistry Vienna University of Technology Getreidemarkt 9/163MC Vienna 1060 Austria
| | - Robert Luxenhofer
- Functional Polymer Materials Chair for Advanced Materials Synthesis Institute for Functional Materials and Biofabrication Department of Chemistry and Pharmacy Julius‐Maximilians‐Universität Würzburg Röntgenring 11 Würzburg 97070 Germany
- Soft Matter Chemistry Department of Chemistry Helsinki University Helsinki 00014 Finland
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Dai X, Qiang X, Hils C, Schmalz H, Gröschel AH. Frustrated Microparticle Morphologies of a Semicrystalline Triblock Terpolymer in 3D Soft Confinement. ACS Nano 2021; 15:1111-1120. [PMID: 33332958 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.0c08087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Self-assembly of block copolymers (BCPs) in three-dimensional (3D) confinement of emulsion droplets has emerged as a versatile route for the formation of functional micro- and nanoparticles. While the self-assembly of amorphous coil-coil BCPs is fairly well documented, less is known about the behavior of crystalline-coil BCPs. Here, we demonstrate that confining a linear ABC triblock terpolymer with a crystallizable middle block in oil-in-water (O/W) emulsions results in a range of microparticles with frustrated inner structure originating from the conflict between crystallization and curved interfaces. Polystyrene-block-polyethylene-block-poly(methyl methacrylate) (PS-b-PE-b-PMMA, S32E36M3293) in toluene droplets was subjected to different preparation protocols. If evaporation was performed well above the bulk crystallization temperature of the PE block (Tevap > Tc), S32E36M3293 first microphase-separated into microparticles with lamella morphology followed by crystallization into a variety of frustrated morphologies (e.g., bud-like, double staircase, spherocone). By evaporating at significantly lower temperatures that allow the PE block to crystallize from solution (Tevap < Tc), S32E36M3293 underwent crystallization-driven self-assembly into patchy crystalline-core micelles, followed by confinement assembly into lenticular microparticles with compartmentalized hexagonal cylinder lattices. The frequency of these frustrated morphologies depends on polymer concentration and the evaporation protocol. These results provide a preliminary understanding of the morphological behavior of semicrystalline block copolymers in 3D soft confinement and may provide alternative routes to structure multicompartment microparticles from a broader range of polymer properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuezhi Dai
- Physical Chemistry and Center for Nanointegration Duisburg-Essen (CENIDE), University of Duisburg-Essen, 47057 Duisburg, Germany
| | - Xiaolian Qiang
- Physical Chemistry, University of Münster, 48149 Münster, Germany
- Center for Soft Nanoscience (SoN), University of Münster, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Christian Hils
- Macromolecular Chemistry II, University of Bayreuth, 95440 Bayreuth, Germany
| | - Holger Schmalz
- Macromolecular Chemistry II, University of Bayreuth, 95440 Bayreuth, Germany
- Bavarian Polymer Institute, Universität Bayreuth, 95440 Bayreuth, Germany
| | - André H Gröschel
- Physical Chemistry, University of Münster, 48149 Münster, Germany
- Center for Soft Nanoscience (SoN), University of Münster, 48149 Münster, Germany
- Center for Nanotechnology (CeNTech), University of Münster, 48149 Münster, Germany
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Zhang J, Keith AN, Sheiko SS, Wang X, Wang Z. To Mimic Mechanical Properties of the Skin by Inducing Oriented Nanofiber Microstructures in Bottlebrush Cellulose- graft-diblock Copolymer Elastomers. ACS Appl Mater Interfaces 2021; 13:3278-3286. [PMID: 33416300 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.0c21494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Skin is a vital biological defense system that protects the body from physical harm with its unique mechanical properties attributed to the hierarchical organization of the protein scaffold. Developing a synthetic skinlike material has aroused great interest; however, replication of the skin's mechanical response, including anisotropic softness and strain-stiffening, is difficult to achieve. Here, to mimic the mechanical behaviors of skin, a reprocessable bottlebrush copolymer elastomer was designed with renewable and rigid cellulose as backbones; meanwhile, poly(n-butyl acrylate)-b-poly(methyl methacrylate) (PBA-b-PMMA) diblocks were designed as the grafted side chains. The so-made elastomers were subjected to a step-cyclic tensile deformation, by which the internal structures became oriented nanofibers and endowed stress-strain behaviors pretty much similar to those of the real skin. Overall, our research work currently undertaken would be of great importance in the development of a series of biomimetic skinlike polymer materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Zhang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Soft Matter Chemistry, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230026, China
| | - Andrew N Keith
- Department of Chemistry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, United States
| | - Sergei S Sheiko
- Department of Chemistry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, United States
| | - Xuehui Wang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Soft Matter Chemistry, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230026, China
| | - Zhigang Wang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Soft Matter Chemistry, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230026, China
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Xiao LL, Zhou X, Yue K, Guo ZH. Synthesis and Self-Assembly of Conjugated Block Copolymers. Polymers (Basel) 2020; 13:E110. [PMID: 33383927 PMCID: PMC7796117 DOI: 10.3390/polym13010110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2020] [Revised: 12/24/2020] [Accepted: 12/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
In the past two decades, conjugated polymers (CPs) have drawn great attention due to their excellent conductivity and charge mobility, rendering them broad applications in organic electronics. Controlling over the morphologies and nanostructures of CPs is very important to improve the performance of CP-based devices, which is still a tremendously difficult task. Conjugated block copolymers (cBCPs), composed of different CP blocks or CP coupled with coiled polymeric blocks, not only maintain the advantages of high conductivity and mobility but also demonstrate features of morphological versatility and tunability. Due to the strong π-π interaction and crystallinity of the conjugated backbones, the self-assembly behaviors of cBCPs are very complicated and largely remain to be explored. In this tutorial review, we first summarize the general synthetic methods for different types of cBCPs. Then, recent studies on the self-assembly behaviors of cBCPs are discussed, with an emphasis on the structural factors that affect the morphologies of cBCPs both in bulk and thin film states. Finally, we briefly provide our outlook on the future research of the self-assembly of cBCPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin-Lin Xiao
- School of Molecular Science and Engineering, South China Advanced Institute for Soft Matter Science and Technology, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510640, China; (L.-L.X.); (X.Z.); (K.Y.)
| | - Xu Zhou
- School of Molecular Science and Engineering, South China Advanced Institute for Soft Matter Science and Technology, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510640, China; (L.-L.X.); (X.Z.); (K.Y.)
| | - Kan Yue
- School of Molecular Science and Engineering, South China Advanced Institute for Soft Matter Science and Technology, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510640, China; (L.-L.X.); (X.Z.); (K.Y.)
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Functional and Intelligent Hybrid Materials and Devices, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510640, China
| | - Zi-Hao Guo
- School of Molecular Science and Engineering, South China Advanced Institute for Soft Matter Science and Technology, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510640, China; (L.-L.X.); (X.Z.); (K.Y.)
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Functional and Intelligent Hybrid Materials and Devices, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510640, China
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Rangou S, Moschovas D, Moutsios I, Manesi GM, Tsitoni K, Bovsunovskaya PV, Ivanov DA, Thomas EL, Avgeropoulos A. Dendrons and Dendritic Terpolymers: Synthesis, Characterization and Self-Assembly Comparison. Molecules 2020; 25:E6030. [PMID: 33352785 PMCID: PMC7766238 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25246030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2020] [Revised: 12/16/2020] [Accepted: 12/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
To the best of our knowledge, this is the very first time that a thorough study of the synthetic procedures, molecular and thermal characterization, followed by structure/properties relationship for symmetric and non-symmetric second generation (2-G) dendritic terpolymers is reported. Actually, the synthesis of the non-symmetric materials is reported for the first time in the literature. Anionic polymerization enables the synthesis of well-defined polymers that, despite the architecture complexity, absolute control over the average molecular weight, as well as block composition, is achieved. The dendritic type macromolecular architecture affects the microphase separation, because different morphologies are obtained, which do not exhibit long range order, and various defects or dislocations are evident attributed to the increased number of junction points of the final material despite the satisfactory thermal annealing at temperatures above the highest glass transition temperature of all blocks. For comparison reasons, the initial dendrons (miktoarm star terpolymer precursors) which are connected to each other in order to synthesize the final dendritic terpolymers are characterized in solution and in bulk and their self-assembly is also studied. A major conclusion is that specific structures are adopted which depend on the type of the core connection between the ligand and the active sites of the dendrons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofia Rangou
- Department of Materials Science Engineering, University of Ioannina, University Campus-Dourouti, 45110 Ioannina, Greece; (S.R.); (D.M.); (I.M.); (G.-M.M.); (K.T.)
- Helmholtz-Zentrum Geesthacht, Institute of Polymer Research, Max-Plank-Str. 1, 21502 Geesthacht, Germany
| | - Dimitrios Moschovas
- Department of Materials Science Engineering, University of Ioannina, University Campus-Dourouti, 45110 Ioannina, Greece; (S.R.); (D.M.); (I.M.); (G.-M.M.); (K.T.)
- Faculty of Chemistry, Lomonosov Moscow State University (MSU), GSP-1, 1-3 Leninskiye Gory, 119991 Moscow, Russia; (P.V.B.); (D.A.I.)
| | - Ioannis Moutsios
- Department of Materials Science Engineering, University of Ioannina, University Campus-Dourouti, 45110 Ioannina, Greece; (S.R.); (D.M.); (I.M.); (G.-M.M.); (K.T.)
| | - Gkreti-Maria Manesi
- Department of Materials Science Engineering, University of Ioannina, University Campus-Dourouti, 45110 Ioannina, Greece; (S.R.); (D.M.); (I.M.); (G.-M.M.); (K.T.)
| | - Konstantina Tsitoni
- Department of Materials Science Engineering, University of Ioannina, University Campus-Dourouti, 45110 Ioannina, Greece; (S.R.); (D.M.); (I.M.); (G.-M.M.); (K.T.)
| | - Polina V. Bovsunovskaya
- Faculty of Chemistry, Lomonosov Moscow State University (MSU), GSP-1, 1-3 Leninskiye Gory, 119991 Moscow, Russia; (P.V.B.); (D.A.I.)
- Institute of Problems of Chemical Physics, Russian Academy of Sciences, Chernogolovka, 142432 Moscow, Russia
| | - Dimitri A. Ivanov
- Faculty of Chemistry, Lomonosov Moscow State University (MSU), GSP-1, 1-3 Leninskiye Gory, 119991 Moscow, Russia; (P.V.B.); (D.A.I.)
- Institute of Problems of Chemical Physics, Russian Academy of Sciences, Chernogolovka, 142432 Moscow, Russia
- Institut de Sciences des Matériaux de Mulhouse–IS2M, CNRS UMR7361, 15 Jean Starcky, 68057 Mulhouse, France
| | - Edwin L. Thomas
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843-3003, USA;
| | - Apostolos Avgeropoulos
- Department of Materials Science Engineering, University of Ioannina, University Campus-Dourouti, 45110 Ioannina, Greece; (S.R.); (D.M.); (I.M.); (G.-M.M.); (K.T.)
- Faculty of Chemistry, Lomonosov Moscow State University (MSU), GSP-1, 1-3 Leninskiye Gory, 119991 Moscow, Russia; (P.V.B.); (D.A.I.)
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Gavrilov AA, Chertovich AV. Polymerization-Induced Microphase Separation with Long-Range Order in Melts of Gradient Copolymers. Polymers (Basel) 2020; 12:E2637. [PMID: 33182631 PMCID: PMC7696285 DOI: 10.3390/polym12112637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2020] [Revised: 11/06/2020] [Accepted: 11/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
In this work, we studied the question of whether it is possible to develop a one-step approach for the creation of microphase-separated materials with long-range order with the help of spontaneous gradient copolymers, i.e., formed during controlled copolymerization solely due to the large difference in the reactivity ratios. To that end, we studied the polymerization-induced microphase separation in bulk on the example of a monomer pair with realistic parameters based on styrene (S) and vinylpirrolydone (VP) by means of computer simulation. We showed that for experimentally reasonable chain lengths, the structures with long-range order start to appear at the conversion degree as low as 76%; a full phase diagram in coordinates (fraction of VP-conversion degree) was constructed. Rather rich phase behavior was obtained; moreover, at some VP fractions, order-order transitions were observed. Finally, we studied how the conversion degree at which the order-disorder transition occurs changes upon varying the maximum average chain length in the system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexey A. Gavrilov
- Faculty of Physics, Lomonosov Moscow State University, 119991 Moscow, Russia;
| | - Alexander V. Chertovich
- Faculty of Physics, Lomonosov Moscow State University, 119991 Moscow, Russia;
- Semenov Federal Research Center for Chemical Physics, 119991 Moscow, Russia
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Tarabukina E, Fatullaev E, Krasova A, Kurlykin M, Tenkovtsev A, Sheiko SS, Filippov A. Synthesis, Structure, Hydrodynamics and Thermoresponsiveness of Graft Copolymer with Aromatic Polyester Backbone at Poly(2-isopropyl-2-oxazoline) Side Chains. Polymers (Basel) 2020; 12:polym12112643. [PMID: 33182803 PMCID: PMC7698206 DOI: 10.3390/polym12112643] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2020] [Revised: 11/04/2020] [Accepted: 11/08/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
New thermoresponsive graft copolymers with an aromatic polyester backbone and poly(2-isopropyl-2-oxazoline) (PiPrOx) side chains are synthesized and characterized by NMR and GPC. The grafting density of side chains is 0.49. The molar masses of the graft-copolymer, its backbone, side chains, and the modeling poly-2-isopropyl-2-oxaziline are 74,000, 19,000, 4300, and 16,600 g·mol−1, respectively. Their conformational properties in nitropropane as well as thermoresponsiveness in aqueous solutions are studied and compared with that of free side chains, i.e., linear PiPrOx with a hydrophobic terminal group. In nitropropane, the graft-copolymer adopts conformation of a 13-arm star with a core of a collapsed main chain and a PiPrOx corona. Similarly, a linear PiPrOx chain protects its bulky terminal group by wrapping around it in a selective solvent. In aqueous solutions at low temperatures, graft copolymers form aggregates due to interaction of hydrophobic backbones, which contrasts to molecular solutions of the model linear PiPrOx. The lower critical solution temperature (LCST) for the graft copolymer is around 20 °C. The phase separation temperatures of the copolymer solution were lower than that of the linear chain counterpart, decreasing with concentration for both polymers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Tarabukina
- Institute of Macromolecular Compounds, Russian Academy of Sciences, 199004 Saint-Petersburg, Russia; (A.K.); (M.K.); (A.T.); (S.S.S.); (A.F.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Emil Fatullaev
- School of Photonics, St. Petersburg National Research University of Information Technologies, Mechanics and Optics, 199004 Saint-Petersburg, Russia;
| | - Anna Krasova
- Institute of Macromolecular Compounds, Russian Academy of Sciences, 199004 Saint-Petersburg, Russia; (A.K.); (M.K.); (A.T.); (S.S.S.); (A.F.)
| | - Mikhail Kurlykin
- Institute of Macromolecular Compounds, Russian Academy of Sciences, 199004 Saint-Petersburg, Russia; (A.K.); (M.K.); (A.T.); (S.S.S.); (A.F.)
| | - Andrey Tenkovtsev
- Institute of Macromolecular Compounds, Russian Academy of Sciences, 199004 Saint-Petersburg, Russia; (A.K.); (M.K.); (A.T.); (S.S.S.); (A.F.)
| | - Sergei S. Sheiko
- Institute of Macromolecular Compounds, Russian Academy of Sciences, 199004 Saint-Petersburg, Russia; (A.K.); (M.K.); (A.T.); (S.S.S.); (A.F.)
- Department of Chemistry, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-3290, USA
| | - Alexander Filippov
- Institute of Macromolecular Compounds, Russian Academy of Sciences, 199004 Saint-Petersburg, Russia; (A.K.); (M.K.); (A.T.); (S.S.S.); (A.F.)
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Schneider L, Lichtenberg G, Vega D, Müller M. Symmetric Diblock Copolymers in Cylindrical Confinement: A Way to Chiral Morphologies? ACS Appl Mater Interfaces 2020; 12:50077-50095. [PMID: 33079515 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.0c16987] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
We investigate the confinement-induced formation and stability of helix morphologies in lamella-forming AB diblock copolymers via large-scale, particle-based, single-chain-in-mean-field simulations. Such helix structures are rarely observed in bulk or thin films. Structure formation is induced by quenching incompatibility, χN, from a disordered morphology. If the surfaces of the cylindrical confinement do not prefer one component over the other, we observe that stacked lamellae, with their normals along the cylinder axis, are the preferred morphology. Kinetically, this morphology initially forms close to the cylinder surface, whereas the spontaneous, spinodal microphase separation in the cylinder's interior gives rise to a microemulsion-like morphology, riddled with defects and no directional order. Subsequently, the ordered morphology on the cylinder surface progresses inward, pervading the entire volume. In case that the cylindrical pore is only partially filled, the additional confinement along the cylinder axis generally gives rise to incommensurability between the equilibrium spacing of stacked lamellae and the cylinder height. To accommodate this mismatch, the lamella normals will tilt away from the cylinder axis and generate helices of lamellae on the surface of the cylinder. Again, this order progresses from the cylinder surface inward, generating a chiral morphology. Because the spacing between the internal AB interfaces decreases upon approaching the helix center, the concomitant stress results in a decrease in the number of lamellae and the formation of unique dislocation defects. This type of chiral defect morphology is reproducibly formed by the kinetics of structure formation in partly filled cylindrical pores with nonpreferential surfaces and may find applications in photonic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ludwig Schneider
- Institute for Theoretical Physics, Georg-August University Göttingen, Friedrich-Hund Platz 1, 37077 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Georg Lichtenberg
- Institute for Theoretical Physics, Georg-August University Göttingen, Friedrich-Hund Platz 1, 37077 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Daniel Vega
- Instituto de Fı́sica del Sur (IFISUR), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Cientı́ficas y Técnicas (CONICET), Universidad Nacional de Sur, 8000 Bahı́a Blanca, Argentina
| | - Marcus Müller
- Institute for Theoretical Physics, Georg-August University Göttingen, Friedrich-Hund Platz 1, 37077 Göttingen, Germany
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50
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Beránek P, Posocco P, Posel Z. Phase Behavior of Gradient Copolymer Melts with Different Gradient Strengths Revealed by Mesoscale Simulations. Polymers (Basel) 2020; 12:E2462. [PMID: 33114271 PMCID: PMC7690882 DOI: 10.3390/polym12112462] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2020] [Revised: 10/19/2020] [Accepted: 10/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Design and preparation of functional nanomaterials with specific properties requires precise control over their microscopic structure. A prototypical example is the self-assembly of diblock copolymers, which generate highly ordered structures controlled by three parameters: the chemical incompatibility between blocks, block size ratio and chain length. Recent advances in polymer synthesis have allowed for the preparation of gradient copolymers with controlled sequence chemistry, thus providing additional parameters to tailor their assembly. These are polydisperse monomer sequence, block size distribution and gradient strength. Here, we employ dissipative particle dynamics to describe the self-assembly of gradient copolymer melts with strong, intermediate, and weak gradient strength and compare their phase behavior to that of corresponding diblock copolymers. Gradient melts behave similarly when copolymers with a strong gradient are considered. Decreasing the gradient strength leads to the widening of the gyroid phase window, at the expense of cylindrical domains, and a remarkable extension of the lamellar phase. Finally, we show that weak gradient strength enhances chain packing in gyroid structures much more than in lamellar and cylindrical morphologies. Importantly, this work also provides a link between gradient copolymers morphology and parameters such as chemical incompatibility, chain length and monomer sequence as support for the rational design of these nanomaterials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pavel Beránek
- Department of Informatics, Faculty of Science, Jan Evangelista Purkyně University in Ústí nad Labem, 40096 Ústí nad Labem, Czech Republic;
| | - Paola Posocco
- Department of Engineering and Architecture, University of Trieste, 34127 Trieste, Italy;
| | - Zbyšek Posel
- Department of Informatics, Faculty of Science, Jan Evangelista Purkyně University in Ústí nad Labem, 40096 Ústí nad Labem, Czech Republic;
- Department of Engineering and Architecture, University of Trieste, 34127 Trieste, Italy;
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