Electrochemical decompatibilisation leads to morphology rearrangements in host–guest polymer blend films

Abstract

Controlled phase separation in a polymer film, with subsequent morphology rearrangement on the micro-scale, provides novel perspectives in smart materials. Based on our experience on supramolecularly compatibilised polymer blends consisting of polystyrene and poly(butyl methacrylate), we demonstrate here physical segregation of the blend in the solid state by the application of an electrochemical stimulus. The thereby occurring changes in film morphology, namely the appearance of voids and grains, have been characterised by atomic force microscopy in spin coated and in Langmuir-Schaefer deposited films.

Supramolecular Graft Copolymerization of a Polyester by Guest‐Selective Encapsulation of a Self‐Assembled Capsule

“…[8] In addition, complementary multiple hydrogen-bonding motifs were employed for the self-assembly of the side chains of supramolecular graft polymers. [9] Molecular recognition by pillar[n]arenes, [10] cyclodextrins, [11] cavitands, [12] cucurbiturils, [13] and crown ethers [14] have been used for the introduction of graft chains.A lthough many self-assembled capsules have been developed, [15] molecular recognition by self-assembled supramolecular capsules has not been employed for the synthesis of graft copolymers.…”

Supramolecular Graft Copolymerization of a Polyester by Guest‐Selective Encapsulation of a Self‐Assembled Capsule

“…[6] Supramolecular polymer chemistry has become an active research area in the field of polymer science, [7] and it offers another option for the construction of graft polymers. [9] Molecular recognition by pillar[n]arenes, [10] cyclodextrins, [11] cavitands, [12] cucurbiturils, [13] and crown ethers [14] have been used for the introduction of graft chains.A lthough many self-assembled capsules have been developed, [15] molecular recognition by self-assembled supramolecular capsules has not been employed for the synthesis of graft copolymers. [8] In addition, complementary multiple hydrogen-bonding motifs were employed for the self-assembly of the side chains of supramolecular graft polymers.…”