Constructing phase diagrams of block copolymers with A-block-(B-stat-C) architecture

Block copolymers (BCPs) are capable of self-organizing into precise nanoscale structures, generating interest across diverse fields such as drug delivery, catalysis, and lithography. Introducing new functionalities to BCPs through post-modification is a widely used approach. To further advance the d...

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Main Authors: Weidinger, Britta (Author) , Coelln, Nadine von (Author) , Yang, Guohui (Author) , Nirschl, Hermann (Author) , Wacker, Irene (Author) , Schröder, Rasmus R. (Author) , Tegeder, Petra (Author) , Blasco, Eva (Author)
Format: Article (Journal)
Language:English
Published: 20 September 2024
In: Polymer chemistry
Year: 2024, Volume: 15, Issue: 40, Pages: 4093-4100
ISSN:1759-9962
DOI:10.1039/D4PY00872C
Online Access:Verlag, kostenfrei, Volltext: https://doi.org/10.1039/D4PY00872C
Verlag, kostenfrei, Volltext: https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlelanding/2024/py/d4py00872c
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Author Notes:Britta Weidinger, Nadine von Coelln, Guohui Yang, Hermann Nirschl, Irene Wacker, Rasmus R. Schröder, Petra Tegeder and Eva Blasco
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Summary:Block copolymers (BCPs) are capable of self-organizing into precise nanoscale structures, generating interest across diverse fields such as drug delivery, catalysis, and lithography. Introducing new functionalities to BCPs through post-modification is a widely used approach. To further advance the design of functional BCPs, it is essential to understand how the incorporated functional groups affect their morphology. In this study, we focus on BCPs with an A-block-(B-statistical-C) architecture, where A is poly(styrene), B is poly(methyl methacrylate), and C is poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate), which allows for the addition of photo-crosslinkable groups like methacrylates. In particular, we have synthesized a library of over twenty well-defined BCPs with different compositions and molecular weights using RAFT polymerization. Afterwards, we created a second library by introducing methacrylate groups through post-functionalization. The morphologies of these two sets of BCPs were carefully analyzed using small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and infrared scanning near-field optical microscopy (IR-SNOM). By combining this data, we have built phase diagrams for both the original and functionalized copolymers and examined how post-functionalization affects their morphology. Our findings reveal that even small changes in the polymer composition significantly impact the morphological behavior.
Item Description:Gesehen am 05.03.2025
Physical Description:Online Resource
ISSN:1759-9962
DOI:10.1039/D4PY00872C