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A design principle of polymers processable into 2D homeotropic order
Zhen Chen1,2, Yi-Tsu Chan1,3, Daigo Miyajima2,4
1Department of Chemistry and Biotechnology, School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8656, Japan.
Nature Communications
|November 30, 2016
Summary
Researchers developed a new design principle for polymers, enabling homeotropic orientation in thin films. This breakthrough allows for the creation of 2D polymer assemblies with unique properties and potential applications.
Area of Science:
- Polymer Science
- Materials Science
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Achieving homeotropic orientation of polymers in thin films is a significant challenge.
- Polymers typically exhibit a preference for lying flat (lying-down orientation) rather than standing upright.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present a novel design principle for polymers that facilitates processing into a 2D homeotropic order.
- To overcome the intrinsic tendency of polymers to lie flat in thin films.
Main Methods:
- Designing cylindrical polymers with oppositely directed local dipoles in their cross-section.
- Utilizing surface grooves on Teflon sheets to assist in nucleating and propagating homeotropic ordering during hot-pressing.
Main Results:
- A 2D rectangular polymer assembly was successfully created.
- The polymer backbone (c axis) was aligned homeotropically, while side chains (b axis) aligned with surface grooves.
- Demonstrated a method for achieving molecularly engineered 2D polymers.
Conclusions:
- The proposed design principle enables the creation of 2D polymers with homeotropic order.
- This method offers a pathway to novel 2D polymer materials with potentially anomalous functions.
- Advances the field of polymer self-assembly and thin film fabrication.
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