Free Energy of Deformation of the Radius of Gyration in Semiflexible Chains

The distribution function P(S) of the radius of gyration S, the corresponding elastic free energy A(S) and the mean force were computed from simulations based on the wormlike chain (WLC) model. The relation of the S‐conjugated elastic functions to the analogous functions based on the chain vector R and their connection to the statistical‐mechanics ensembles was elucidated. Simulation data revealed that available analytical functions for P(S) fail to predict the behavior of semiflexible chains. When the power‐law function P(S) was used instead, the exponents sizeably raised with stiffness at chain expansion. The exponents deduced from elastic compression of a chain agreed fairly with the scaling exponents for chain confinement into a sphere.

     

Kinetic Study of 1,5‐Hydrogen Transfer Reactions of Methyl Acrylate and Butyl Acrylate Using Quantum Chemistry

1,5‐Hydrogen transfer reactions in methyl acrylate and butyl acrylate free‐radical polymerization are studied using quantum chemistry and transition state theory to estimate the kinetic parameters (k_tr, E_a, and A) with tetrameric radicals, requiring a number of atoms that ranks among the largest polymeric mimics to date. A two‐step transformation accounted for the overall reaction: rotation from an extended conformation to a coiled conformation and abstraction of the fifth hydrogen atom by the end‐chain radical. UB3LYP/6‐31G(d) was used for geometry optimization, validation of the transition states, and calculation of frequencies that were used to obtain thermodynamic properties. The more computationally demanding level of theory, MPWB1K/6‐31G(d,p), was used for calculation of the electronic energy.

     

Synthesis and Characterization of Helix‐Coil Diblock Copolymers with Controlled Supramolecular Architectures in Aqueous Solution

Summary: A series of helix‐coil diblock copolymers based on poly(ethylene oxide) and optically active helical poly{(+)‐2,5‐bis[4′‐((S)‐2‐methylbutoxy)phenyl]styrene} (PMBPS) were synthesized via atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP). The synthetic methodology permitted straightforward preparation of the diblock copolymers with relatively low polydispersities and a broad range of compositions and molecular weights. Depending on the composing block length and the initial concentration, the copolymers self‐assembled into different supramolecular structures in aqueous solution, including spherical micelles, vesicles, multilamellar vesicles, large compound vesicles, and tubules.

Schematic representation of the synthesis of PEO‐b‐PMBPS block copolymers and their aggregation in aqueous solution.     

Design Criteria for Accurate Measurement of Bimolecular Radical Termination Rate Coefficients via the RAFT‐CLD‐T Method

The reversible addition‐fragmentation chain transfer chain length dependent termination (RAFT‐CLD‐T) technique allows a simple experimental approach to obtain chain‐length‐dependent termination rate coefficients as a function of conversion, k(x). This work provides a set of criteria by which accurate k(x) can be obtained using the RAFT‐CLD‐T method. Visualization of three‐dimensional plots varying all kinetic rate parameters and starting concentrations demonstrates that only certain combinations give an accurate extraction of k(x). The current study provides hands‐on guidelines for experimentalists applying the RAFT‐CLD‐T method.

     

Phase‐Field Simulation of Long‐Wavelength Line Edge Roughness in Diblock Copolymer Resists

We examine stochastic computer simulations of the Leibler‐Ohta‐Kawasaki (LOK) phase‐field model 1 , 2 and demonstrate that long‐wavelength line edge roughness (LER) and line width roughness (LWR) in a lamellar diblock copolymer resist depend monotonically on quench depth and noise strength, and that the LER and LWR spectra both exhibit a peak at k₀–the characteristic wavenumber of mesophase separation in diblock copolymers. For k ⪅ k₀, we find that the LER spectrum approximately scales like k^−1.6. These observations are consistent with previous theoretical, computational, and experimental examinations LER and LWR in diblock copolymer melts, and thus the LOK phase‐field model should be considered a capable and appropriate framework for future examination of long‐wavelength LER and LWR in block copolymer resist systems.

     

Adsorption Behavior of Asymmetrical Triblock Copolymers at the Solid‐Liquid Interface by Monte Carlo Simulation

Summary: Monte Carlo simulation on a simple lattice model has been used to study the adsorption of asymmetrical triblock copolymers from a non‐selective solvent at the solid‐liquid interface. The size distributions of train, loop and tail configurations for those copolymers are obtained as well as other details of the adsorption layer microstructure. Also the influence of adsorption energy and the role of molecular symmetry are investigated. A segment‐density profile, the adsorption amount, the surface coverage, and the adsorption layer thickness have been determined. Finally, it is shown that the adsorption behavior of an asymmetrical copolymer can be predicted from the symmetrical copolymer.

Size distributions of the tail configuration for A_8−kB₂₀A_k.     

Multifunctional Poly(N‐vinylcarbazole)‐Based Block Copolymers and their Nanofabrication and Photosensitizing Properties

The synthesis of poly(N‐vinylcarbazole)‐based block copolymers functionalized with rhenium diimine complexes or pendant terpyridine ligands is reported. The copolymers are synthesized by reversible addition–fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization, and they exhibit interesting morphological properties as a result of the phase separation between different blocks. The rhenium complex polymer block may function as a photosensitizer, while the terpyridine‐containing polymer block can be used as the template for nanofabrication by selective deposition of zinc complexes.

     

Temperature‐Responsive Graft Copolymers with Poly(propylene glycol) Side Chains

The phase behavior of graft copolymers in aqueous solution was investigated. The graft copolymers consist of poly(propylene glycol) (PPG) side chains and N,N‐dimethylacrylamide (dMA), N‐vinylimidazole (VIm), and N‐isopropylacrylamide (iPA), respectively, as backbones. Phase transition temperatures of the PPG copolymers increased with increasing the content of dMA and iPA as relatively more hydrophilic comonomers and with an increase in the degree of ionization of the incorporated VIm units.

Chemical structure of the graft copolymers     

Laser Single Pulse Initiated RAFT Polymerization for Assessing Chain‐Length Dependent Radical Termination Kinetics

Summary: A novel method combining RAFT polymerization with pulsed‐laser initiation for determining chain‐length dependent termination rate coefficients, k_t, is presented. Degenerative chain‐transfer in RAFT enables single‐pulse pulsed‐laser polymerization (SP‐PLP) traces to be measured on systems with a narrow radical distribution that remains essentially unchanged during the experiment. SP‐PLP‐RAFT experiments at different polymerization times allow for determining k_t as a function of chain length via classical kinetics assuming chain‐length independent k_t.

Single‐pulse pulsed‐laser polymerization trace for BMPT‐mediated RAFT polymerization of butyl acrylate.     

Synthesis and Characterization of Novel Biodegradable Copolymers of 5‐Benzyloxy‐1,3‐dioxan‐2‐one and Glycolide

A series of novel biodegradable random copolymers of 5‐benzyloxy‐1,3‐dioxan‐2‐one (5‐benzyloxy‐trimethylene carbonate, BTMC) and glycolide were synthesized by ring‐opening polymerization. The copolymers were characterized by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy and gel permeation chromatography (GPC). The incorporation of BTMC units into the copolymer chains results in good solubility of the polymers in common solvents. The in vitro degradation rate can be tailored by adjusting the composition of the copolymers.

The in vitro degradation of the homopolymers and poly(BTMC‐co‐GA) copolymers.     

Toward a Universal Behavior of Linear Athermal Model Chains in the Limit of Infinite Chain‐length

Athermal chains of various stiffness embedded in several types of lattices were analyzed with respect to their pair distribution function G(R). Extrapolation to infinite chain‐length on a reduced distance scale made all the G(R) data coincide within extremely narrow limits, thus suggesting the existence of a universal pair distribution function for polymers in good solvents in the long‐chain limit. The ratio –ln(G(R))/Z(R) with Z(R) being the reduced distribution of overlaps is also universal in type and varies only little with distance R. Further, a likewise universal function could be established that allows the construction of Z(R) from the Flory–Krigbaum expression taking into account not only the deviations from Gaussian behavior but also the effect of intramolecular repulsion present in athermal chains.

     

Synthesis of Block Copolymers Modified with Phosphonate Ester Groups Using Nitroxide‐Mediated Radical Polymerization

Summary: Phosphonate groups were introduced into block copolymers of styrene derivatives either as single end‐groups or as small blocks using nitroxide‐mediated radical polymerization. In order to combine the hydrophobic and hydrophilic segments, block copolymers with N,N‐dimethyl acrylamide were synthesized. After hydrolysis to phosphonic acid groups, adsorption of the polymer onto metal oxides was possible.

Conversion of the phosphonate groups by transesterification with trimethylbromosilane (TMBS), followed by hydrolysis of the silylester group.     

Novel Superlattices via Blending of Asymmetric Triblock Terpolymers with Diblock Copolymers

The formation of superlattices in blends of a series of asymmetric BSV triblock terpolymers and symmetric SV or VC diblock copolymers is investigated with S being polystyrene, B being poly(1,2‐butadiene), V being poly(2‐vinylpyridine), and C being poly(cyclohexyl methacrylate). All of these triblock terpolymers and diblock copolymers by themselves self‐assemble into lamellae. Apart from various core shell morphologies, in these blends some new unexpected superstructures were obtained.

A TEM micrograph of a 50/50 blend of B₃₀S₅₈V with S₄₅V.     

Formation of Polyolefin‐block‐polystyrene Block Copolymers on Phenoxyimine Catalysts

Summary: PE‐block‐PS and P(E‐co‐P)‐block‐PS block copolymers were synthesised via sequential monomer addition during homogeneous polymerisation on various phenoxyimine catalysts. One phenoxyimine catalyst was tailored to produce high molecular weight block copolymers containing both, polyolefin and polystyrene segments. According to chromatographic analysis and TEM morphology studies, blends of block copolymers and PE homopolymers [or P(E‐co‐P), respectively] were formed. The direct olefin/styrene block copolymer synthesis on phenoxyimine catalysts represents an attractive, new one‐pot route to styrenic block copolymers which are commercially prepared by anionic styrene/diene block copolymerisation followed by hydrogenation.

     

Synthesis and Characterization of Chitosan Grafted Oligo(L‐lactic acid)

Chitosan grafted oligo(L ‐lactic acid) copolymers with different length of side chain were prepared through the reaction of terminal aldehyde group of oligo(L ‐lactic acid) (OLLA) and amino groups of chitosan. The mean molecular mass of the grafting OLLA chain was ca. 600 ～ 5 000. The graft copolymers are soluble in DMSO, DMF and acetic acid. The synthesis method and structure described here provide chitosan‐g‐OLLA copolymers with broad applicability.

Structure of chitosan‐g‐oligo(L ‐lactic acid).     

Photodissociation Rate Constants of New Light Sensitive Alkoxyamines

The photochemical properties of two new photocleavable alkoxyamines bearing a benzophenone‐derived chromophore were studied by electron spin resonance (ESR). The C O bond cleavage has been demonstrated and the photolysis rate constants (k_d) determined over a large range of light intensity through the monitoring of the nitroxide concentration in aerated conditions. The obtained kinetic data highlight for the first time the linear dependence of k_d on the light intensity for alkoxyamines: this should be a driving factor for nitroxide mediated radical photopolymerization (NMP²).

     

Amphiphilic Block‐Graft Copolymers with a Degradable Backbone and Polyethylene Glycol Pendant Chains Prepared via Ring‐Opening Polymerization of a Macromonomer

Well‐defined amphiphilic block‐graft copolymers PCL‐b‐[DTC‐co‐(MTC‐mPEG)] with polyethylene glycol methyl ether pendant chains were designed and synthesized. First, monohydroxyl‐terminated macroinitiators PCL‐OH were prepared. Then, ring‐opening copolymerization of 2,2‐dimethyltrimethylene carbonate (DTC) and cyclic carbonate‐terminated PEG (MTC‐mPEG) macromonomer was carried out in the presence of the macroinitiator in bulk to give the target copolymers. All the polymers were characterized by ¹H NMR and gel permeation chromatography (GPC). The polymers have unimodal molecular weight distributions and moderate polydispersity indexes. The amphiphilic block‐graft copolymers self‐assemble in water forming stable micelle solutions with a narrow size distribution.

     

Synthesis and Self‐Assembly of Styrene–[1]Dimethylsilaferrocenophane–Methyl Methacrylate Pentablock Copolymers

Summary: Well‐defined pentablock copolymers of styrene–[1]dimethylsilaferrocenophane–methyl methacrylate (PMMA‐b‐PFS‐b‐PS‐b‐PFS‐b‐PMMA) are synthesized using lithium naphthalide as initiator and a 1,1‐dimethylsilacyclobutane‐mediated 1,1‐diphenylethylene (DPE) end‐capping technique. Annealing under various conditions followed by analysis by transmission electron microscopy revealed good phase separation by the copolymers and the presence of ordered microstructures, such as spheres‐on/in‐spheres, and spheres‐on/in‐lamellae micromorphologies.

Structure of the styrene–[1]dimethylsilaferrocenophane–methyl methacrylate pentablock copolymers.     

Linear Azo Polymer Containing Conjugated 5,5′‐Azodisalicylic Acid Segments in the Main Chain: Synthesis,Characterization, and Degradation

Summary: Copolymers of poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) and 5,5′‐azodisalicylic acid (Olsalazine, OLZ) were synthesized and evaluated by hydrolysis and in‐vitro biodegradation with azoreductase. It was found that changing the molecular weight of the PEO blocks affected the loading ratio of OLZ, and resulted in significant differences in the hydration and degradability of the copolymers. These novel azo‐containing copolymers can be used in colon‐specific drug delivery.

Release of 5‐ASA from OLZ and PEO‐OLZ copolymers incubated with rat cecum content in the presence of benzyl viologen and α‐D ‐glucose.     

Switching the Solubility of PMMA Bearing Attached Cyclodextrin‐Moieties by Supramolecular Interactions with Ionic Liquids

Methacrylate‐modified β‐cyclodextrin (β‐CD) and methyl methacrylate (MMA) have been radically copolymerized to obtain hydrophobic CD copolymers. The water‐insoluble copolymers are able to form highly stable inclusion complexes with anions of ionic liquids. Surprisingly, the inclusion of the anions in the CD cavity results in a significant change of thermal and solution properties. Furthermore, it can be shown that the structure of the ionic liquid anions influences the coil structure of the copolymers. The obtained results could be proven by means of microcalorimetry, differential scanning calorimetry, and dynamic light scattering.