1
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Berrow SR, Mandle RJ, Raistrick T, Reynolds M, Gleeson HF. Toward Monodomain Nematic Liquid Crystal Elastomers of Arbitrary Thickness through PET-RAFT Polymerization. Macromolecules 2024; 57:5218-5229. [PMID: 38882196 PMCID: PMC11171763 DOI: 10.1021/acs.macromol.4c00245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2024] [Revised: 03/21/2024] [Accepted: 05/16/2024] [Indexed: 06/18/2024]
Abstract
Liquid crystal elastomers (LCEs) are polymeric materials that are proposed for a range of applications. However, to reach their full potential, it is desirable to have as much flexibility as possible in terms of the sample dimensions, while maintaining well-defined alignment. In this work, photoinduced electron/energy transfer reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (PET-RAFT) polymerization is applied to the synthesis of LCEs for the first time. An initial LCE layer (∼100 μm thickness) is partially cured before a second layer of the precursor mixture is added. The curing reaction is then resumed and is observed by FTIR to complete within 15 min of irradiation, yielding samples of increased thickness. Monodomain samples that exhibit an auxetic response and are of thickness 250-300 μm are consistently achieved. All samples are characterized thermally, mechanically, and in terms of their order parameters. The LCEs have physical properties comparable to those of analogous LCEs produced via free-radical polymerization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stuart R Berrow
- School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, U.K
| | - Richard J Mandle
- School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, U.K
- School of Chemistry, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, U.K
| | - Thomas Raistrick
- School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, U.K
| | - Matthew Reynolds
- School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, U.K
| | - Helen F Gleeson
- School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, U.K
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2
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Raji IO, Dodo OJ, Saha NK, Eisenhart M, Miller KM, Whitfield R, Anastasaki A, Konkolewicz D. Network Polymer Properties Engineered Through Polymer Backbone Dispersity and Structure. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2024; 63:e202315200. [PMID: 38546541 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202315200] [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: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 04/24/2024]
Abstract
Dispersity (Ð or Mw/Mn) is an important parameter in material design and as such can significantly impact the properties of polymers. Here, polymer networks with independent control over the molecular weight and dispersity of the linear chains that form the material are developed. Using a RAFT polymerization approach, a library of polymers with dispersity ranging from 1.2-1.9 for backbone chain-length (DP) 100, and 1.4-3.1 for backbone chain-length 200 were developed and transformed to networks through post-polymerization crosslinking to form disulfide linkers. The tensile, swelling, and adhesive properties were explored, finding that both at DP 100 and DP 200 the swelling ratio, tensile strength, and extensibility were superior at intermediate dispersity (1.3-1.5 for DP 100 and 1.6-2.1 for DP 200) compared to materials with either substantially higher or lower dispersity. Furthermore, adhesive properties for materials with chains of intermediate dispersity at DP 200 revealed enhanced performance compared to the very low or high dispersity chains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ibrahim O Raji
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Miami University, Oxford, Ohio, 45056, USA
| | - Obed J Dodo
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Miami University, Oxford, Ohio, 45056, USA
| | - Nirob K Saha
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Miami University, Oxford, Ohio, 45056, USA
| | - Mary Eisenhart
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Miami University, Oxford, Ohio, 45056, USA
| | - Kevin M Miller
- Department of Chemistry, Murray State University, Murray, KY 42071, USA
| | - Richard Whitfield
- Laboratory of Polymeric Materials, Department of Materials, ETH, Zurich, Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 5, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Athina Anastasaki
- Laboratory of Polymeric Materials, Department of Materials, ETH, Zurich, Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 5, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Dominik Konkolewicz
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Miami University, Oxford, Ohio, 45056, USA
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3
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Pan X, Li J, Li Z, Li Q, Pan X, Zhang Z, Zhu J. Tuning the Mechanical Properties of 3D-printed Objects by the RAFT Process: From Chain-Growth to Step-Growth. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2024; 63:e202318564. [PMID: 38230985 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202318564] [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: 12/04/2023] [Revised: 01/15/2024] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 01/18/2024]
Abstract
Photoinduced 3D printing based on the reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) process has emerged as a robust method for creating diverse functional materials. However, achieving precise control over the mechanical properties of these printed objects remains a critical challenge for practical application. Here, we demonstrated a RAFT step-growth polymerization of a bifunctional xanthate and bifunctional vinyl acetate. Additionally, we demonstrated photoinduced 3D printing through RAFT step-growth polymerization with a tetrafunctional xanthate and a bifunctional vinyl acetate. By adjusting the molar ratio of the components in the printing resins, we finely tuned the polymerization mechanism from step-growth to chain-growth. This adjustment resulted in a remarkable range of tunable Young's moduli, ranging from 7.6 MPa to 997.1 MPa. Moreover, post-functionalization and polymer welding of the printed objects with varying mechanical properties opens up a promising way to produce tailor-made materials with specific and tunable properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaofeng Pan
- State and Local Joint Engineering Laboratory for Novel Functional Polymeric Materials, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Advanced Functional Polymer Design and Application, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, China
| | - Jiajia Li
- State and Local Joint Engineering Laboratory for Novel Functional Polymeric Materials, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Advanced Functional Polymer Design and Application, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, China
| | - Zhuang Li
- State and Local Joint Engineering Laboratory for Novel Functional Polymeric Materials, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Advanced Functional Polymer Design and Application, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, China
| | - Qing Li
- State and Local Joint Engineering Laboratory for Novel Functional Polymeric Materials, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Advanced Functional Polymer Design and Application, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, China
| | - Xiangqiang Pan
- State and Local Joint Engineering Laboratory for Novel Functional Polymeric Materials, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Advanced Functional Polymer Design and Application, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, China
| | - Zhengbiao Zhang
- State and Local Joint Engineering Laboratory for Novel Functional Polymeric Materials, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Advanced Functional Polymer Design and Application, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, China
| | - Jian Zhu
- State and Local Joint Engineering Laboratory for Novel Functional Polymeric Materials, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Advanced Functional Polymer Design and Application, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, China
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4
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Shimizu T, Whitfield R, Jones GR, Raji IO, Konkolewicz D, Truong NP, Anastasaki A. Controlling primary chain dispersity in network polymers: elucidating the effect of dispersity on degradation. Chem Sci 2023; 14:13419-13428. [PMID: 38033899 PMCID: PMC10685271 DOI: 10.1039/d3sc05203f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Although dispersity has been demonstrated to be instrumental in determining many polymer properties, current synthetic strategies predominantly focus on tailoring the dispersity of linear polymers. In contrast, controlling the primary chain dispersity in network polymers is much more challenging, in part due to the complex nature of the reactions, which has limited the exploration of properties and applications. Here, a one-step method to prepare networks with precisely tuned primary chain dispersity is presented. By using an acid-switchable chain transfer agent and a degradable crosslinker in PET-RAFT polymerization, the in situ crosslinking of the propagating polymer chains was achieved in a quantitative manner. The incorporation of a degradable crosslinker, not only enables the accurate quantification of the various primary chain dispersities, post-synthesis, but also allows the investigation and comparison of their respective degradation profiles. Notably, the highest dispersity networks resulted in a 40% increase in degradation time when compared to their lower dispersity analogues, demonstrating that primary chain dispersity has a substantial impact on the network degradation rate. Our experimental findings were further supported by simulations, which emphasized the importance of higher molecular weight polymer chains, found within the high dispersity materials, in extending the lifetime of the network. This methodology presents a new and promising avenue to precisely tune primary chain dispersity within networks and demonstrates that polymer dispersity is an important parameter to consider when designing degradable materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takanori Shimizu
- Laboratory of Polymeric Materials, Department of Materials, ETH Zurich Vladimir Prelog Weg 5 8093 Zurich Switzerland
- Science & Innovation Center, Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation 1000 Kamoshida-cho, Aoba-ku Yokohama-shi Kanagawa 227-8502 Japan
| | - Richard Whitfield
- Laboratory of Polymeric Materials, Department of Materials, ETH Zurich Vladimir Prelog Weg 5 8093 Zurich Switzerland
| | - Glen R Jones
- Laboratory of Polymeric Materials, Department of Materials, ETH Zurich Vladimir Prelog Weg 5 8093 Zurich Switzerland
| | - Ibrahim O Raji
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Miami University 651 E High St Oxford OH 45056 USA
| | - Dominik Konkolewicz
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Miami University 651 E High St Oxford OH 45056 USA
| | - Nghia P Truong
- Laboratory of Polymeric Materials, Department of Materials, ETH Zurich Vladimir Prelog Weg 5 8093 Zurich Switzerland
| | - Athina Anastasaki
- Laboratory of Polymeric Materials, Department of Materials, ETH Zurich Vladimir Prelog Weg 5 8093 Zurich Switzerland
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Chen Z, Sun Y, Wang X, Zhang W, Zhang Z. Tailoring Polymerization Controllability and Dispersity Through a Photoswitchable Catalyst Strategy. Macromol Rapid Commun 2023; 44:e2300198. [PMID: 37231589 DOI: 10.1002/marc.202300198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2023] [Revised: 05/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Modulating on-demand polymerization is a challenge in synthetic macromolecules. Herein, tailoring polymerization controllability and dispersity during single-electron transfer mediated living radical polymerization (SET-LRP) of methyl methacrylate (MMA) is achieved. Hexaarylbiimidazole (HABI) is employed as a photoswitchable catalyst, allowing reversible control of catalytic activity between an active and inactive state. In the presence of HABI and with the light on (active state), control SET-LRP of MMA follows first-order kinetics, resulting in polymers with a narrow molecular weight distribution. In contrast, polymerization responds to light and reverts to their original uncontrolled state with light off (inactive state). Therefore, repeatable resetting polymerization can be easily performed. The key to photomodulating dispersity is to use an efficient molecular switch to tailor the breadths of dispersity. Besides, the mechanism of HABI-mediated SET-LRP with switchable ability is proposed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhuan Chen
- Suzhou Key Laboratory of Macromolecular Design and Precision Synthesis, College of Chemistry Engineering and Materials Science of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, P. R. China
| | - Yue Sun
- Center for Soft Condensed Matter Physics and Interdisciplinary Research & Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Thin Films, School of Physical Science and Technology, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215006, P. R. China
| | - Xin Wang
- Suzhou Key Laboratory of Macromolecular Design and Precision Synthesis, College of Chemistry Engineering and Materials Science of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, P. R. China
| | - Weidong Zhang
- Suzhou Key Laboratory of Macromolecular Design and Precision Synthesis, College of Chemistry Engineering and Materials Science of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, P. R. China
- Center for Soft Condensed Matter Physics and Interdisciplinary Research & Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Thin Films, School of Physical Science and Technology, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215006, P. R. China
| | - Zhengbiao Zhang
- Suzhou Key Laboratory of Macromolecular Design and Precision Synthesis, College of Chemistry Engineering and Materials Science of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, P. R. China
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Koler A, Brus J, Krajnc P. RAFT Polymerisation and Hypercrosslinking Improve Crosslink Homogeneity and Surface Area of Styrene Based PolyHIPEs. Polymers (Basel) 2023; 15:polym15102255. [PMID: 37242829 DOI: 10.3390/polym15102255] [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: 03/28/2023] [Revised: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 05/05/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The influence of a polymerisation mechanism (reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer; RAFT vs. free radical polymerisation; FRP) on the porous structure of highly porous poly(styrene-co-divinylbenzene) polymers was investigated. The highly porous polymers were synthesised via high internal phase emulsion templating (polymerizing the continuous phase of a high internal phase emulsion), utilising either FRP or RAFT processes. Furthermore, residual vinyl groups in the polymer chains were used for the subsequent crosslinking (hypercrosslinking) applying di-tert-butyl peroxide as the source of radicals. A significant difference in the specific surface area of polymers prepared by FRP (between 20 and 35 m2/g) and samples prepared by RAFT polymerisation (between 60 and 150 m2/g) was found. Based on the results from gas adsorption and solid state NMR, it could be concluded that the RAFT polymerisation affects the homogeneous distribution of the crosslinks in the highly crosslinked styrene-co-divinylbenzene polymer network. During the initial crosslinking, RAFT polymerisation leads to the increase in mesopores with diameters between 2 and 20 nm, resulting in good accessibility of polymer chains during the hypercrosslinking reaction, which is reflected in increased microporosity. The fraction of micropores created during the hypercrosslinking of polymers prepared via RAFT is around 10% of the total pore volume, which is up to 10 times more than for polymers prepared by FRP. Specific surface area, mesopore surface area, and total pore volume after hypercrosslinking reach almost the same values, regardless of the initial crosslinking. The degree of hypercrosslinking was confirmed by determination of the remaining double bonds by solid-state NMR analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amadeja Koler
- PolyOrgLab, Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, University of Maribor, Smetanova 17, 2000 Maribor, Slovenia
| | - Jiři Brus
- Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry, Czech Academy of Sciences, Heyrovského náměstí 2, 16200 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Peter Krajnc
- PolyOrgLab, Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, University of Maribor, Smetanova 17, 2000 Maribor, Slovenia
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Dawson F, Jafari H, Rimkevicius V, Kopeć M. Gelation in Photoinduced ATRP with Tuned Dispersity of the Primary Chains. Macromolecules 2023; 56:2009-2016. [PMID: 36938508 PMCID: PMC10018774 DOI: 10.1021/acs.macromol.2c02159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2022] [Revised: 01/20/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2023]
Abstract
We investigated gelation in photoinduced atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) as a function of Cu catalyst loading and thus primary chain dispersity. Using parallel polymerizations of methyl acrylate with and without the addition of a divinyl crosslinker (1,6-hexanediol diacrylate), the approximate values of molecular weights and dispersities of the primary chains at incipient gelation were obtained. In accordance with the Flory-Stockmayer theory, experimental gelation occurred at gradually lower conversions when the dispersity of the primary chains increased while maintaining a constant monomer/initiator/crosslinker ratio. Theoretical gel points were then calculated using the measured experimental values of dispersity and initiation efficiency. An empirical modification to the Flory-Stockmayer equation for ATRP was implemented, resulting in more accurate predictions of the gel point. Increasing the dispersity of the primary chains was found not to affect the distance between the theoretical and experimental gel points and hence the extent of intramolecular cyclization. Furthermore, the mechanical properties of the networks, such as equilibrium swelling ratio and shear storage modulus showed little variation with catalyst loading and depended primarily on the crosslinking density.
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8
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Bagheri A. Application of RAFT in 3D Printing: Where Are the Future Opportunities? Macromolecules 2023. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.macromol.2c02585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Ali Bagheri
- School of Science and Technology, University of New England, Armidale, NSW 2351, Australia
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Förster C, Andrieu-Brunsen A. Recent developments in visible light induced polymerization towards its application to nanopores. Chem Commun (Camb) 2023; 59:1554-1568. [PMID: 36655782 PMCID: PMC9904278 DOI: 10.1039/d2cc06595a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Visible light induced polymerizations are a strongly emerging field in recent years. Besides the often mild reaction conditions, visible light offers advantages of spatial and temporal control over chain growth, which makes visible light ideal for functionalization of surfaces and more specifically of nanoscale pores. Current challenges in nanopore functionalization include, in particular, local and highly controlled polymer functionalizations. Using spatially limited light sources such as lasers or near field modes for light-induced polymer functionalization is envisioned to allow local functionalization of nanopores and thereby improve nanoporous material performance. These light sources are usually providing visible light while classical photopolymerizations are mostly based on UV-irradiation. In this review, we highlight developments in visible light induced polymerizations and especially in visible light induced controlled polymerizations as well as their potential for nanopore functionalization. Existing examples of visible light induced polymerizations in nanopores are emphasized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire Förster
- Macromolecular Chemistry – Smart Membranes, Technische Universität Darmstadt64287DarmstadtGermanyannette.andrieu-brunsen@.tu-darmstadt.de
| | - Annette Andrieu-Brunsen
- Macromolecular Chemistry – Smart Membranes, Technische Universität Darmstadt64287DarmstadtGermanyannette.andrieu-brunsen@.tu-darmstadt.de
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