How Supramolecular Assemblies Control Dynamics of Associative Polymers: Toward a General Picture

pH- and temperature-responsive supramolecular assemblies with highly adjustable viscoelasticity: a multi-stimuli binary system

Stimuli-responsive materials are increasingly needed for the development of smart electronic, mechanical, and biological devices and systems relying on switchable, tunable, and adaptable properties. Herein, we report a novel pH- and temperature-responsive binary supramolecular assembly involving a long-chain hydroxyamino amide (HAA) and an inorganic hydrotrope, boric acid, with highly tunable viscous and viscoelastic properties. The system under investigation demonstrates a high degree of control over its viscosity, with the capacity to achieve over four orders of magnitude of control through the concomitant manipulation of pH and temperature. In addition, the transformation from non-Maxwellian to Maxwellian fluid behavior could also be induced by changing the pH and temperature. Switchable rheological properties were ascribed to the morphological transformation between spherical vesicles, aggregated/fused spherical vesicles, and bicontinuous gyroid structures revealed by cryo-TEM studies. The observed transitions are attributed to the modulation of the head group spacing between HAA molecules under different pH conditions. Specifically, acidic conditions induce electrostatic repulsion between the protonated amino head groups, leading to an increased spacing. Conversely, under basic conditions, the HAA head group spacing is reduced due to the intercalation of tetrahydroxyborate, facilitated by hydrogen bonding.

Unravelling the Mechanism of Viscoelasticity in Polymers with Phase-Separated Dynamic Bonds

Incorporation of dynamic (reversible) bonds within polymer structure enables properties such as self-healing, shape transformation, and recyclability. These dynamic bonds, sometimes refer as stickers, can form clusters by phase-segregation from the polymer matrix. These systems can exhibit interesting viscoelastic properties with an unusually high and extremely long rubbery plateau. Understanding how viscoelastic properties of these materials are controlled by the hierarchical structure is crucial for engineering of recyclable materials for various future applications. Here we studied such systems made from short telechelic polydimethylsiloxane chains by employing a broad range of experimental techniques. We demonstrate that formation of a percolated network of interfacial layers surrounding clusters enhances mechanical modulus in these phase-separated systems, whereas single chain hopping between the clusters results in macroscopic flow. On the basis of the results, we formulated a general scenario describing viscoelastic properties of phase-separated dynamic polymers, which will foster development of recyclable materials with tunable rheological properties.

Is a Dissociation Process Underlying the Molecular Origin of the Debye Process in Monohydroxy Alcohols?

Herein, we investigated the molecular dynamics as well as intramolecular interactions in two primary monohydroxy alcohols (MA), 2-ethyl-1-hexanol (2EHOH) and n-butanol (nBOH), by means of broad-band dielectric (BDS) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The modeling data obtained from dielectric studies within the Rubinstein approach [ Macromolecules 2013, 46, 7525-7541] originally developed to describe the dynamical properties of self-assembling macromolecules allowed us to calculate the energy barrier (Ea) of dissociation from the temperature dependences of relaxation times of Debye and structural processes. We found Ea ∼ 19.4 ± 0.8 and 5.3 ± 0.4 kJ/mol for the former and latter systems, respectively. On the other hand, FTIR data analyzed within the van't Hoff relationship yielded the energy barriers for dissociation Ea ∼ 20.3 ± 2.1 and 12.4 ± 1.6 kJ/mol for 2EHOH and nBOH, respectively. Hence, there was almost a perfect agreement between the values of Ea estimated from dielectric and FTIR studies for the 2EHOH, while some notable discrepancy was noted for the second alcohol. A quite significant difference in the activation barrier of dissociation indicates that there are probably supramolecular clusters of varying geometry or a ring-chain-like equilibrium is strongly affected in both alcohols. Nevertheless, our analysis showed that the association/dissociation processes undergoing within nanoassociates are one of the main factors underlying the molecular origin of the Debye process, supporting the transient chain model.

A Quantitative Description for Designing the Extrudability of Shear-Thinning Physical Hydrogels

Physically associated hydrogels (PHs) capable of reversible transitions between solid and liquid-like states have enabled novel strategies for 3D printing, therapeutic drug and cell delivery, and regenerative medicine. Among the many design criteria (e.g., viscoelasticity, cargo diffusivity, biocompatibility) for these applications, engineering PHs for extrudability is a necessary and critical design criterion for the successful application of these materials. As the development of many distinct PH material systems continues, a strategy to determine the extrudability of PHs a priori will be exceedingly useful for reducing costly and time-consuming trial-and-error experimentation. Here, a strategy to determine the property-function relationships for PHs in injectable drug delivery applications at clinically relevant flow rates is presented. This strategy-validated with two chemically and physically distinct PHs-reveals material design spaces in the form of Ashby-style plots that highlight acceptable, application-specific material properties. It is shown that the flow behavior of PHs does not obey a single shear-thinning power law and the implications for injectable drug delivery are discussed. This approach for generating design criteria has potential for streamlining the screening of PHs and their utility in applications with varying geometrical (i.e., needle diameter) and process (i.e., flow rate) constraints.

Viscoelasticity in associating oligomers and polymers: experimental test of the bond lifetime renormalization model

Recent findings that the association bond lifetimes τα* in associating polymers diverge from their supramolecular network relaxation times τc challenge past theories. The bond lifetime renormalization proposed by Rubinstein and coworkers [Stukalin et al., Macromolecules, 2013, 46, 7525] provides a promising explanation. To examine systematically its applicability, we employ shear rheology and dielectric spectroscopy to study telechelic associating polymers with different main chain (polypropylene glycol and polydimethylsiloxane), molecular weight (below entanglement molecular weight) and end groups (amide, and carboxylic acid) which form dimeric associations by hydrogen bonding. The separation between τc (probed by rheology) and τα* (probed by dielectric spectroscopy) strongly increases with chain length as qualitatively predicted by the model. However, to describe the increase quantitatively, a transition from Rouse to reptation dynamics must be assumed. This suggests that dynamics of super-chains must be considered to properly describe the transient network.

A Critical Approach to Polymer Dynamics in Supramolecular Polymers

Over the past few years, the concurrent (1) development of polymer synthesis and (2) introduction of new mathematical models for polymer dynamics have evolved the classical framework for polymer dynamics once established by Doi-Edwards/de Gennes. Although the analysis of supramolecular polymer dynamics based on linear rheology has improved a lot recently, there are a large number of insecurities behind the conclusions, which originate from the complexity of these novel systems. The interdependent effect of supramolecular entities (stickers) and chain dynamics can be overwhelming depending on the type and location of stickers as well as the architecture and chemistry of polymers. This Perspective illustrates these parameters and strives to determine what is still missing and has to be improved in the future works.

What dielectric spectroscopy can tell us about supramolecular networks⋆

Polymers which can form supramolecular networks are a promising class of materials to provide highly sought-after properties such as self-healing, enhanced mechanical strength, super-stretchability as well as easy recyclability. However, due to the vast range of possible chemical structures it is very demanding to optimize these materials for the desired performance. Consequently, a detailed understanding of the molecular processes that govern the macroscopic properties is paramount to their technological application. Here we discuss some telechelic model systems with hydrogen-bonding end groups and how dielectric spectroscopy in combination with linear oscillatory shear rheology helped to understand the association mechanism on a molecular scale, and verify the model of bond-lifetime renormalization. Furthermore, we analyze a limitation of these H-bonding polymers, namely that there is a trade-off between high plateau modulus and long terminal relaxation time --both cannot be maximized at the same time. Finally, we show how more complex end groups phase separate from the main chain melt and thus lead to a more sophisticated rheological behavior which can overcome that limitation.

Association and relaxation of supra-macromolecular polymers

This paper describes the structures created by assembling functionalised entangled polymers and the effect these have on the rheology of the material. A polybutadiene (PBd) linear polymer precursor of sufficient molecular weight to be entangled is used. This is end functionalised with the self-associating group 2-ureido-4pyrimidinone (UPy). Interestingly, despite the relatively high molecular weight of the precursor diluting the UPy concentration, the effect on the material's properties is significant. To characterise the assembled microstructure we present linear rheology, extensional non-linear rheology and small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS). The linear rheology shows that the functionalised PBd assembles into large macro-structures where the terminal relaxation time is up to seven orders of magnitude larger than the precursor. The non-linear rheology shows strain-hardening over a broad range of strain-rates. We then show by both SAXS and modelling of the extensional data that there must exist clusters of UPy associations and hence assembled polymers with branched architecture. By modelling the supra-molecular structure as an effective linear polymer, we show that this would be insufficient in predicting the strain-hardening behaviour at lower extension-rates. Therefore, in this flow regime the strain-hardening is likely to be caused by branching. This is backed up by SAXS measurements which show that UPy clusters larger than pair-pair groups exist.

Self-organization of gel networks formed by block copolymer stars

The equilibrium properties of block copolymer star networks (BCS) are studied via computer simulations. We employ both molecular dynamics and multiparticle collisional dynamics simulations to investigate the self-organization of BCS with f = 9 functionalized arms close to their overlap concentrations under conditions of different fractions of functionalization and varying attraction strength. We find three distinct macroscopic self-organized states depending on fraction of attractive end-monomers and the strength of the attraction. At weak attractions, ergodic, diffusive liquids result, with short-lived bonds between the stars. As the attraction strength grows, the whole system forms a percolating cluster, while at the same time the individual molecules are diffusive. Finally, arrested gels emerge when the attractions become strong. The conformation of the BCS in these solutions is found to be strongly affected by the concentration, with the stars assuming typically spherical, open configurations in seeking to maximize inter-star associations as opposed to the inter-star collapse that results at infinite dilution, giving rise to strongly aspherical shapes and reduced sizes.

Effect of the Strength of Stickers on Rheology and Adhesion of Supramolecular Center-Functionalized Polyisobutenes

In order to systematically investigate the effect of the strength of the supramolecular interactions on the debonding properties of associative polymers, a series of model systems have been characterized by probe-tack tests. These model materials, composed of linear and low dispersity poly(isobutylene) chains ( M_n ≈ 3 kg/mol) center-functionalized by a single bis-urea sticker, are able to self-assemble by four hydrogen bonds. Three types of stickers are used in the present study: a bis-urea with a methylene diphenyl (MDI) spacer, a bis-urea with a tolyl (TOL) spacer, and a bis-urea with a xylyl (XYL) spacer. In order to investigate the influence of stickers in depth, both the nanostructure of the materials and the linear rheology were investigated by small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) and oscillatory shear, respectively. For two types of stickers (TOL and XYL), the association of polymers via hydrogen bonds induces the formation of bundles of rodlike aggregates at room temperature and the behavior of a soft elastic material was observed. For bis-urea MDI, no structure is detected by SAXS and a Newtonian behavior is observed at room temperature. In probe-tack experiments, all these materials show a cohesive mode of failure, a signature of flowing materials as previously observed for tri-urea center-functionalized poly(butylacrylate) (PnBA3U). However, XYL center-functionalized polyisobutene shows much higher debonding energies than PnBA3U, revealing the importance of the strength of noncovalent bonds in the scission/recombination dynamics. On the basis of the analysis of the debonding images, this effect is discussed via the mechanical behavior at large deformation.

Physical Networks from Multifunctional Telechelic Star Polymers: A Rheological Study by Experiments and Simulations

The equilibrium mechanical properties of a cross-linked gel of telechelic star polymers are studied by rheology and Brownian dynamics simulations. The Brownian dynamics model consists of cores to which Rouse arms are attached. Forces between the cores are obtained from a potential of mean force model developed by Likos and co-workers. Both experimentally and in the simulations, networks were created by attaching sticker groups to the ends of the arms of the polymers, which were next allowed to form bonds among them in a one to one fashion. Simulations were sped up by solving the Rouse dynamics exactly. Moreover, the Rouse model was extended to allow for different frictions on different beads. In order to describe the rheology of the non-cross-linked polymers, it had to be assumed that bead frictions increase with increasing bead number along the arms. This friction model could be transferred to describe the rheology of the network without any adjustments other than an overall increase of the frictions due to the formation of bonds. The slowing down at intermediate times of the network rheology compared to that of the non-cross-linked polymers is well described by the model. The percentage of stickers involved in forming inter-star bonds in the system was determined to be 25%, both from simulations and from an application of the Green-Tobolsky relation to the experimental plateau value of the shear relaxation modulus. Simulations with increasing cross-link percentages revealed that on approaching the gel transition the shear relaxation modulus develops an algebraic tail, which gets frozen at a percentage of maximum cross-linking of about 11%.

Hydrogen-bond strength changes network dynamics in associating telechelic PDMS

Associating polymers are a class of materials with widely tunable macroscopic properties. Here, we investigate telechelic poly(dimethylsiloxanes) of several molecular weights (M_W) with different hydrogen bonding end groups. Besides the well-established increase of the glass transition temperature T_g with decreasing M_W, T_g remains unchanged as the end group varies from NH₂ over OH to COOH. For the latter system, a 2nd T_g is found which indicates a segregated phase. In contrast, rheological measurements reveal a qualitative difference in the viscoelastic response of NH₂-terminated and COOH-terminated chains. Both systems show clear signs of end group association, but only the latter exhibits an extended rubbery plateau. All features observed in the rheology experiments have corresponding processes in the dielectric measurements. This provides insight into the underlying molecular mechanisms, and especially reveals that many end groups of the COOH-terminated chains phase segregate while a certain fraction forms binary associates and remains non-segregated. In contrast, the NH₂-terminated systems form only binary associates increasing the effective chain length, whereas the COOH-terminated system consists of two types of associates forming a crosslinked network. Remarkably, a single species of end group forms two qualitatively different types of associates: transient bonds which allow stress release by a bond-partner exchange mechanism, and effectively permanent bonds formed by a phase segregated fraction of end groups which are stable on the timescale of the transient mechanism.

Dynamics of a Complex Multilayer Polymer Network: Mechanical Relaxation and Energy Transfer

In this paper, we focus on the mechanical relaxation of a multilayer polymer network built by connecting identical layers that have, as underlying topologies, the dual Sierpinski gasket and the regular dendrimer. Additionally, we analyze the dynamics of dipolar energy transfer over a system of chromophores arranged in the form of a multilayer network. Both dynamical processes are studied in the framework of the generalized Gaussian structure (GSS) model. We develop a method whereby the whole eigenvalue spectrum of the connectivity matrix of the multilayer network can be determined iteratively, thereby rendering possible the analysis of the dynamics of networks consisting of a large number of layers. This fact allows us to study in detail the crossover from layer-like behavior to chain-like behavior. Remarkably, we highlight the existence of two bulk-like behaviors. The theoretical findings with respect to the decomposition of the intermediate domain of the relaxation quantities, as well as the chain-like behavior, are well supported by experimental results.

Effects of multifunctional cross-linkers on rheology and adhesion of soft nanostructured materials

We investigate the nanostructure, the rheology and the adhesion of soft supramolecular materials elaborated by blending monofunctional and multifunctional poly(isobutene) (PIB) chains. Monofunctional PIB chains (PIBUT) are linear and unentangled polymer chains (M_n ≈ 3 kg mol^-1) functionalized in the middle by a bis-urea interacting moiety, able to self-associate by four hydrogen bonds. Covalent coupling of monofunctional PIB allows us to synthesize longer chains bearing two or three interacting moieties. These chains are then added to monofunctional PIB to prepare blends containing up to 10% of multifunctional PIB (M-PIBUT). The influence of M-PIBUT on the supramolecular nanostructure, which results from the self-assembly of stickers, is studied by Atomic Force Microscopy and Small Angle X-ray Scattering at room temperature. Multifunctional and monofunctional chains are shown to interact with each other to form bundles of rod-like aggregates. The consequences of these interactions on the rheology of the blends were studied by shear tests in the linear and non linear regimes, below and above the order-disorder transition temperature. A pronounced strengthening effect of M-PIBUT is observed at room temperature: the supramolecular blends become more elastic and are more resistant to creep with increasing concentration of M-PIBUT. The effects of M-PIBUT on the nanostructure and the rheology suggest that M-PIBUT, which can link with more than one supramolecular aggregate, plays the role of a physical cross-linker. The impact of these supramolecular cross-linkers on the adhesion of the blends is studied by probe-tack tests and discussed by analyzing the in situ deformation through the debonding images.

Structure/property relationships in copolymers comprising renewable isosorbide, glucarodilactone, and 2,5-bis(hydroxymethyl)furan subunits

Carbohydrates and their derivatives have great potential as building blocks for the development of renewable materials that are cost and performance competitive with conventional petroleum-based materials.

Combined Effect of Chain Extension and Supramolecular Interactions on Rheological and Adhesive Properties of Acrylic Pressure-Sensitive Adhesives

A new approach for the elaboration of low molecular weight pressure-sensitive adhesives based on supramolecular chemistry is explored. The synthesis of model systems coupled with probe-tack tests and rheological experiments highlights the influence of the transient network formed by supramolecular bonds on the adhesion energy. The first step of our approach consists of synthesizing poly(butyl acrylate-co-glycidyl methacrylate) copolymers from a difunctional initiator able to self-associate by four hydrogen bonds between urea groups. Linear copolymers with a low dispersity (M_n = 10 kg/mol, Ip < 1.4) have been synthesized via atom transfer radical polymerization. Films of the copolymers were then partially cross-linked through reaction of the epoxy functions with a diamine. The systematic variation of the average ratio of glycidyl methacrylate and diamine per copolymer shed light on the respective role played by the supramolecular interactions (between bis-urea groups and with the side chains) and by the chain extension and branching induced by the diamine/epoxy reaction. In this strategy, the adhesive performance can be optimized by modifying the strength of "stickers" (via the structure of the supramolecular initiator, for instance) and the polymer network (e.g., via the length and level of branching of the copolymer chains) in order to approach commercial PSA-like properties (high debonding energy and clean removal).

Adhesion and non-linear rheology of adhesives with supramolecular crosslinking points

Soft supramolecular materials are promising for the design of innovative and highly tunable adhesives. These materials are composed of polymer chains functionalized by strongly interacting moieties, sometimes called "stickers". In order to systematically investigate the effect of the presence of associative groups on the debonding properties of a supramolecular adhesive, a series of supramolecular model systems has been characterized by probe-tack tests. These model materials, composed of linear and low dispersity poly(butylacrylate) chains functionalized in the middle by a single tri-urea sticker, are able to self-associate by six hydrogen bonds and range in molecular weight (Mn) between 5 and 85 kg mol(-1). The linear rheology and the nanostructure of the same materials (called "PnBA3U") were the object of a previous study. At room temperature, the association of polymers via hydrogen bonds induces the formation of rod-like aggregates structured into bundles for Mn < 40 kg mol(-1) and the behavior of a soft elastic material was observed (G'≪G'' and G'∼ω(0)). For higher Mn materials, the filaments were randomly oriented and the polymers displayed a crossover towards viscous behavior although terminal relaxation was not reached in the experimental frequency window. All these materials show, however, similar adhesive properties characterized by a cohesive mode of failure and low debonding energies (Wadh < 40 J m(-2) for a debonding speed of 100 μm s(-1)). The debonding mechanisms observed during the adhesion tests have been investigated in detail with an Image tools analysis developed by our group. The measure of the projected area covered by cavities growing in the adhesive layer during debonding can be used to estimate the true stress in the walls of the cavities and thus to characterize the in situ large strain deformation of the thin layer during the adhesion test itself. This analysis revealed in particular that the PnBA3U materials with Mn < 40 kg mol(-1) soften very markedly at large deformation like yield stress fluids, explaining the low adhesion energies measured for these viscoelastic gels.

Molecular relaxation and dynamic rheology of “cluster phase”-free ionomers based on lanthanum(iii)-neutralized low-carboxylated poly(methyl methacrylate)

La(iii)-neutralized low-carboxylated poly(methyl methacrylate)-based ionomers free of cluster phase exhibit a fluid-to-solid transition assigned to an interconnected multiplets network.