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Clarke BR, Witt CL, Ilton M, Crosby AJ, Watkins JJ, Tew GN. Bottlebrush Networks: A Primer for Advanced Architectures. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2024; 63:e202318220. [PMID: 38588310 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202318220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2023] [Revised: 03/28/2024] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024]
Abstract
Bottlebrush networks (BBNs) are an exciting new class of materials with interesting physical properties derived from their unique architecture. While great strides have been made in our fundamental understanding of bottlebrush polymers and networks, an interdisciplinary approach is necessary for the field to accelerate advancements. This review aims to act as a primer to BBN chemistry and physics for both new and current members of the community. In addition to providing an overview of contemporary BBN synthetic methods, we developed a workflow and desktop application (LengthScale), enabling bottlebrush physics to be more approachable. We conclude by addressing several topical issues and asking a series of pointed questions to stimulate conversation within the community.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brandon R Clarke
- University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts, 01003, United States
| | - Connor L Witt
- University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts, 01003, United States
| | - Mark Ilton
- Department of Physics, Harvey Mudd College, Claremont, CA 91711, United States
| | - Alfred J Crosby
- University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts, 01003, United States
| | - James J Watkins
- University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts, 01003, United States
| | - Gregory N Tew
- University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts, 01003, United States
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2
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Apostolides D, Michael G, Patrickios CS, Notredame B, Zhang Y, Gohy JF, Prévost S, Gradzielski M, Jung FA, Papadakis CM. Dynamic Covalent Amphiphilic Polymer Conetworks Based on End-Linked Pluronic F108: Preparation, Characterization, and Evaluation as Matrices for Gel Polymer Electrolytes. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2024; 16. [PMID: 38669089 PMCID: PMC11082838 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.3c19189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2023] [Revised: 04/18/2024] [Accepted: 04/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
We present the development of a platform of well-defined, dynamic covalent amphiphilic polymer conetworks (APCN) based on an α,ω-dibenzaldehyde end-functionalized linear amphiphilic poly(ethylene glycol)-b-poly(propylene glycol)-b-poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG-b-PPG-b-PEG, Pluronic) copolymer end-linked with a triacylhydrazide oligo(ethylene glycol) triarmed star cross-linker. The developed APCNs were characterized in terms of their rheological (increase in the storage modulus by a factor of 2 with increase in temperature from 10 to 50 °C), self-healing, self-assembling, and mechanical properties and evaluated as a matrix for gel polymer electrolytes (GPEs) in both the stretched and unstretched states. Our results show that water-loaded APCNs almost completely self-mend, self-organize at room temperature into a body-centered cubic structure with long-range order exhibiting an aggregation number of around 80, and display an exceptional room temperature stretchability of ∼2400%. Furthermore, ionic liquid-loaded APCNs could serve as gel polymer electrolytes (GPEs), displaying a substantial ion conductivity in the unstretched state, which was gradually reduced upon elongation up to a strain of 4, above which it gradually increased. Finally, it was found that recycled (dissolved and re-formed) ionic liquid-loaded APCNs could be reused as GPEs preserving 50-70% of their original ion conductivity.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - George Michael
- Department
of Chemistry, University of Cyprus, P.O. Box 20537, 1678 Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Costas S. Patrickios
- Department
of Chemistry, University of Cyprus, P.O. Box 20537, 1678 Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Benoît Notredame
- Institute
for Condensed Matter and Nanosciences (IMCN), Bio- and Soft Matter
(BSMA), Université Catholique de
Louvain (UCL), Place Pasteur 1, 1348 Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium
| | - Yinghui Zhang
- Institute
for Condensed Matter and Nanosciences (IMCN), Bio- and Soft Matter
(BSMA), Université Catholique de
Louvain (UCL), Place Pasteur 1, 1348 Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium
| | - Jean-François Gohy
- Institute
for Condensed Matter and Nanosciences (IMCN), Bio- and Soft Matter
(BSMA), Université Catholique de
Louvain (UCL), Place Pasteur 1, 1348 Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium
| | - Sylvain Prévost
- Institut
Max von Laue—Paul Langevin (ILL), 71, Avenue des Martyrs—CS 20156, 38042 Grenoble Cedex 9, France
| | - Michael Gradzielski
- Stranski-Laboratorium
für Physikalische und Theoretische Chemie, Institut für
Chemie, Technische Universität, Straße des 17, Juni 124, D-10623 Berlin, Germany
| | - Florian A. Jung
- Soft Matter
Physics Group, Physics Department, TUM School of Natural Sciences, Technical University of Munich, James-Franck-Straße 1, 85748 Garching, Germany
| | - Christine M. Papadakis
- Soft Matter
Physics Group, Physics Department, TUM School of Natural Sciences, Technical University of Munich, James-Franck-Straße 1, 85748 Garching, Germany
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Clarke BR, Tew GN. Network Constitutional Isomers. Macromolecules 2023; 56:8565-8573. [PMID: 38239340 PMCID: PMC10795480 DOI: 10.1021/acs.macromol.3c01400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2024]
Abstract
Bottlebrush networks designed to be constitutional isomers of each other were synthesized for the first time. These network constitutional isomers (NCIs) have significantly different mechanical properties depending on their kinetic chain lengths (RK), which are controlled by the monomer-to-initiator ratio. Specifically, the low frequency moduli, yield behavior, elongation at break, and adhesive strength of these NCIs are different at the same cross-link densities. The NCI concept is extended to include RKs' dispersity through the choice of the catalyst. These NCIs highlight the impact of living polymerization chemistry on network formation. The use of living polymerization chemistry to synthesize new networks, including NCIs, is expected to significantly advance the development of next-generation materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brandon R Clarke
- Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003, United States
| | - Gregory N Tew
- Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003, United States
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Kopka B, Kost B, Pawlak A, Tomaszewska A, Krupa A, Basko M. Covalent segmented polymer networks composed of poly(2-isopropenyl-2-oxazoline) and selected aliphatic polyesters: designing biocompatible amphiphilic materials containing degradable blocks. SOFT MATTER 2023; 19:6987-6999. [PMID: 37667566 DOI: 10.1039/d3sm00948c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/06/2023]
Abstract
To promote facile and efficient synthesis of segmented covalent networks, we developed a cross-linking process with reactive polymeric components in a system without catalysts or side products. To achieve the direct formation of amphiphilic networks, an addition reaction was performed between the polyesters containing carboxyl terminal groups with pendant groups distributed along poly(2-isopropenyl-2-oxazoline) chains. Covalent cross-linking was achieved from predetermined amounts of components dissolved in DMSO at 140 °C. To tune the properties of the resulting networks, the composition and length of the polyester segments and the degree of cross-linking were changed in the feed. The chemical structure of the networks was characterized using Fourier transform infrared-attenuated total reflection spectroscopy and 13C magic-angle spinning NMR. The swelling ability of the formed networks was investigated in aqueous and organic media. Moreover, mechanical properties were tested during uniaxial compression. The cytocompatibility of the scaffolds was confirmed by MTT assay. Through the results obtained, the first report describing the cross-linking of polyesters on hydrophilic PiPOx was provided to prepare new, biocompatible materials with tuneable properties that are promising for potential biomedical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bartosz Kopka
- Centre of Molecular and Macromolecular Studies, Polish Academy of Sciences, Sienkiewicza 112, 90-363 Lodz, Poland.
| | - Bartłomiej Kost
- Centre of Molecular and Macromolecular Studies, Polish Academy of Sciences, Sienkiewicza 112, 90-363 Lodz, Poland.
| | - Andrzej Pawlak
- Centre of Molecular and Macromolecular Studies, Polish Academy of Sciences, Sienkiewicza 112, 90-363 Lodz, Poland.
| | - Agata Tomaszewska
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Biology, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Lodz, Banacha 12/16, 90-237 Lodz, Poland
- Bio-Med-Chem Doctoral School, University of Lodz and Lodz Institutes of the Polish Academy of Sciences, Banacha 12/16, 90-237 Lodz, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Krupa
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Biology, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Lodz, Banacha 12/16, 90-237 Lodz, Poland
| | - Malgorzata Basko
- Centre of Molecular and Macromolecular Studies, Polish Academy of Sciences, Sienkiewicza 112, 90-363 Lodz, Poland.
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Clarke BR, Kim H, Ilton M, Watkins JJ, Crosby AJ, Tew GN. The Impact of Polymerization Chemistry on the Mechanical Properties of Poly(dimethylsiloxane) Bottlebrush Elastomers. Macromolecules 2022. [PMID: 37502106 PMCID: PMC10373355 DOI: 10.1021/acs.macromol.2c01332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
We compare the low-strain mechanical properties of bottlebrush elastomers (BBEs) synthesized using ring-opening metathesis and free radical polymerization. Through comparison of experimentally measured elastic moduli and those predicted by an ideal, affine model, we evaluate the efficiency of our networks in forming stress-supporting strands. This comparison allowed us to develop a structural efficiency ratio that facilitates the prediction of mechanical properties relative to polymerization chemistry (e.g., softer BBEs when polymerizing under dilute conditions). This work highlights the impact that polymerization chemistry has on the structural efficiency ratio and the resultant mechanical properties of BBEs with identical side chains, providing another "knob" by which to control polymer network properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brandon R. Clarke
- Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003, United States
| | - Hyemin Kim
- Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003, United States
| | - Mark Ilton
- Department of Physics, Harvey Mudd College, Claremont, California 91711, United States
| | - James J. Watkins
- Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003, United States
| | - Alfred J. Crosby
- Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003, United States
| | - Gregory N. Tew
- Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003, United States
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