Designing molecular weight distributions of arbitrary shape with selectable average molecular weight and dispersity

Junkers, Thomas; Vrijsen, Jeroen H.

doi:10.1016/j.eurpolymj.2020.109834

Cited by 20 publications

(22 citation statements)

References 25 publications

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“…[33] Junkers and Vrijsen later refined this principle by creating a software framework that allows to create any desirable MWD by first digitizing a given shape, followed be recalculation for average molecular weights and dispersity. [34] Then, similar to the interpolation used by Rubens et al, single molecular weight distributions are fitted, with the difference to the previous method that fitting is carried out automatically and doesn't require manual adjustment of parameters. As a result, the user is provided with a series of polymers to synthesize and precise amounts for each fraction required to blend (see Figure 4).…”

Section: Blending Of Polymer Distributionsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Polymers in the Blender

Junkers

2020

Macro Chemistry & Physics

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Ever since the birth of controlled polymerizations, polymer synthesis always strived toward distributions that are as narrowly dispersed as possible. Yet, such polymers are not always advantageous, and only recently methods have started to develop that allow to create polymers with controllable molecular weight and dispersity. Stretching beyond that, there are also now tools to create distributions of any shape. This level of control, even if this is just the start of these endeavors, has tremendous potential for developing materials with superior and more precise physical properties. The principles for the synthesis of different molecular weight distributions shapes are introduced and discussed.

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Section: Blending Of Polymer Distributionsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Polymers in the Blender

Junkers

2020

Macro Chemistry & Physics

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“…[ 7 , 13 , 14 , 15 , 16 ] This has resulted in the development of various chemistry and engineering methods to target different dispersity values and to tailor MWD shapes. [ 3 , 8 , 17 , 18 , 19 , 20 , 21 , 22 ]…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…In a different approach the groups of Boyer, Junkers, Frey, Leibfarth and Guironnet have developed flow methods to alter MWDs for a range of polymerisation methodologies. [ 18 , 19 , 20 , 22 , 24 , 37 , 38 , 39 , 40 ] Such methods require the use of syringe pumps and may also employ mathematical models and software. Importantly, for all the aforementioned strategies an individual polymerisation must be performed for each MWD shape or dispersity required.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Precise Control of Both Dispersity and Molecular Weight Distribution Shape by Polymer Blending

2021

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The breadth and the shape of molecular weight distributions can significantly influence fundamental polymer properties that are critical for various applications. However, current approaches require the extensive synthesis of multiple polymers, are limited in dispersity precision and are typically incapable of simultaneously controlling both the dispersity and the shape of molecular weight distributions. Here we report a simplified approach, whereby on mixing two polymers (one of high Đ and one of low Đ), any intermediate dispersity value can be obtained (e.g. from 1.08 to 1.84). Unrivalled precision is achieved, with dispersity values obtained to even the nearest 0.01 (e.g. 1.37→1.38→1.39→1.40→1.41→1.42→1.43→1.44→1.45), while maintaining fairly monomodal molecular weight distributions. This approach was also employed to control the shape of molecular weight distributions and to obtain diblock copolymers with high dispersity accuracy. The straightforward nature of our methodology alongside its compatibility with a wide range of polymerisation protocols (e.g. ATRP, RAFT), significantly expands the toolbox of tailored polymeric materials and makes them accessible to all researchers.

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“…Junkers' and our group provided further insight by developing predictive frameworks that allowed custom design of molecular weight distributions. [11][12][13][14][15] Recently, Fors and coworkers introduced an innovative semi-batch process to tune the dispersity by regulating initiation in nitroxide-mediated, 16 anionic, 17,18 and coordination polymerization. 19 In a different approach, Goto and co-workers exploited the addition of a small amount of a co-monomer during the organocatalyzed reversible complexation-mediated polymerization, enabling access to various architectures and Đs.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%