Using Polymerization-Induced Self-Assembly in Orthogonally-Reactive Dispersants to Design Tough Nanostructured
Theophile Ienn1, Cindy Lo Van1, Raphael Brunel1
1Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, INSA Lyon, Université Jean Monnet, CNRS UMR 5223, Ingénierie des Matériaux Polymères F-69621 Villeurbanne, Cédex, France.
Angewandte Chemie (International Ed. in English)
|November 10, 2025
Summary
Polymerization-induced self-assembly creates nanostructured polymer networks using block copolymers. This method significantly enhances epoxy network fracture toughness even at minimal block copolymer content.
Area of Science:
- Polymer Chemistry
- Materials Science
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Polymerization-induced self-assembly (PISA) is a versatile method for creating nanostructures.
- Orthogonally reactive dispersants enable integration of pre-formed polymers into networks.
- Block copolymers (BCPs) offer tunable properties and morphologies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To implement PISA using orthogonally reactive dispersants for nanostructured polymer network synthesis.
- To investigate the impact of BCP integration on epoxy network properties.
- To achieve enhanced material performance at low BCP loadings.
Main Methods:
- Synthesis of well-defined poly(methyl methacrylate)-block-poly(lauryl methacrylate) (PMMA-b-PLMA) block copolymers via RAFT dispersion polymerization.
- Self-assembly of BCPs within epoxy monomers.
- Subsequent epoxy network formation via step-growth or chain-growth polymerization.
Main Results:
- Achieved diverse BCP morphologies (spheres, cylinders, lamellae) within epoxy monomers.
- Successfully integrated these BCP structures into the final epoxy networks.
- Demonstrated a significant enhancement in fracture toughness (up to 1% w/w BCP loading).
Conclusions:
- PISA in orthogonally reactive dispersants provides a facile route to nanostructured polymer networks.
- Integrating self-assembled BCPs into epoxy resins is an effective strategy for toughening.
- This approach offers a pathway to high-performance materials with minimal additive content.
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