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Facile Synthesis of Worm-like Micelles by Visible Light Mediated Dispersion Polymerization Using Photoredox Catalyst

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Optically responsive supramolecular polymer glasses.

Diederik W R Balkenende¹, Christophe A Monnier¹, Gina L Fiore¹

¹Adolphe Merkle Institute, University of Fribourg, Chemin des Verdiers 4, CH-1700 Fribourg, Switzerland.

Nature Communications

|March 18, 2016

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

This study introduces a new glass-forming supramolecular material with ureido-4-pyrimidinone groups. This dynamic polymer network offers high stiffness, excellent adhesion, and rapid optical healing capabilities.

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Area of Science:

Materials Science
Polymer Chemistry
Supramolecular Chemistry

Background:

Supramolecular polymers are often stimuli-responsive due to reversible non-covalent interactions.
Previous attempts to create stiff and healable supramolecular polymers faced challenges.
Achieving both high stiffness and effective healability in dynamic polymer networks remains an area of research.

Purpose of the Study:

To develop a novel glass-forming supramolecular material with enhanced stiffness and healability.
To investigate the properties of a trifunctional ureido-4-pyrimidinone monomer-based supramolecular polymer.
To demonstrate optical healing and on-demand (de)bonding capabilities.

Main Methods:

Synthesis of a trifunctional low-molecular-weight monomer, (UPyU)3TMP, featuring three ureido-4-pyrimidinone (UPy) groups.
Formation of a dynamic supramolecular polymer network through self-assembly of the monomer.
Characterization of the material's mechanical properties, including stiffness and adhesion.
Evaluation of optical healing and (de)bonding triggered by ultraviolet light.

Main Results:

The (UPyU)3TMP monomer forms a disordered glass with typical polymeric behavior despite its low molecular weight.
The resulting supramolecular polymer network exhibits high stiffness and excellent coating and adhesive properties.
Irradiation with ultraviolet light induces reversible dissociation, leading to a low-viscosity liquid.
Rapid optical healing and on-demand (de)bonding were successfully demonstrated.

Conclusions:

A novel glass-forming supramolecular material based on a trifunctional monomer offers a unique combination of high stiffness and stimuli-responsive properties.
The material's dynamic network architecture and high content of binding motifs enable excellent mechanical performance and rapid optical healing.
This work presents a promising platform for developing advanced materials with tunable properties for applications in coatings, adhesives, and self-healing systems.