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Controlling the Size, Shape and Stability of Supramolecular Polymers in Water

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Order-disorder transition in supramolecular polymers.

Jessalyn Cortese¹, Corinne Soulié-Ziakovic, Michel Cloitre

¹Matière Molle et Chimie (UMR 7167 ESPCI-CNRS), ESPCI ParisTech, 10 rue Vauquelin 75005 Paris, France.

Journal of the American Chemical Society

|November 15, 2011

Summary

This study reveals that supramolecular polymers with thymine end-groups exhibit an order-disorder transition. Above this transition temperature, they become amorphous yet maintain structural correlations, impacting material properties.

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Area of Science:

Supramolecular chemistry
Polymer science
Materials science

Background:

Directional interactions and dispersion forces govern supramolecular polymer organization.
Main-chain supramolecular polymers with poly(propylene oxide) (PPO) spacers and thymine end-groups were investigated.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate the long-range order and order-disorder transition (ODT) in main-chain supramolecular polymers.
To understand the structural and property changes associated with the ODT.

Main Methods:

Synthesis of main-chain supramolecular polymers with PPO spacers and thymine end-groups.
Characterization using X-ray scattering.
Analysis of thermal and mechanical properties.

Main Results:

Below T(ODT), polymers are semicrystalline with lamellar structures and nanophase separation.
Above T(ODT), polymers become amorphous and homogeneous.
X-ray scattering shows a peak above T(ODT) attributed to the correlation hole effect.
Significant changes in flow and mechanical properties occur at the ODT.

Conclusions:

The study elucidates the order-disorder transition mechanism in these supramolecular polymers.
The correlation hole effect influences structural characterization above the transition.
The ODT critically affects macroscopic material behavior.