Graft-through Synthesis and Assembly of Janus Bottlebrush Polymers from A-Branch-B Diblock Macromonomers

J Am Chem Soc. 2016 Sep 14;138(36):11501-4. doi: 10.1021/jacs.6b07670. Epub 2016 Sep 1.

Abstract

We report the synthesis of Janus bottlebrush block copolymers by graft-through polymerization of branched diblock macromonomers. Self-assembly of the bottlebrushes was characterized by small-angle X-ray scattering, atomic force microscopy, and scanning electron microscopy. Phase separation and packing models of the bottlebrushes were computed, and their self-assembly behavior was corroborated experimentally in bulk and in thin films. Lamellar, hexagonal cylinder, and gyroid phases were observed and modeled. The A-branch-B Janus bottlebrush structure provides several unique advantages in the context of bottlebrush polymer assembly, including access to the first examples of gyroid phases.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Chemistry Techniques, Synthetic
  • Models, Molecular
  • Molecular Conformation
  • Polymerization
  • Polymers / chemical synthesis*
  • Polymers / chemistry*

Substances

  • Polymers