33 research outputs found
Research on 3D printing service model for innovation, entrepreneurship, and universal applications
3D Printed Block Copolymer Nanostructures
The emergence of 3D printing has
dramatically advanced the availability
of tangible molecular and extended solid models. Interestingly, there
are few nanostructure models available both commercially and through
other do-it-yourself approaches such as 3D printing. This is unfortunate
given the importance of nanotechnology in science today. In this work,
we have filled part of this gap by designing and 3D printing several
block copolymer (BCP) nanostructure morphologies. We used a variety
of methods including manually drawing the files within 3D computer
design software, using equations with mathematical graphing software,
and developing a programming script to convert self-consistent field
theory (SCFT) structure data into a 3D printable file. Conversion
of SCF data into 3D printable structures may find broader applicability
beyond creating BCP nanostructures as SCF calculations are used in
a variety of geometric computations. All methods reported herein produced
tangible 3D prints of approximately equal quality. These tangible
models will be useful for educators, students, and researchers in
polymer science and nanotechnology
Network Formation in an Orthogonally Self-Assembling System
Many supramolecular motifs self-assemble into nanorods,
forming
the basis of the mechanical properties of supramolecular polymers.
When integrated as end-caps in a bifunctional telechelic polymer,
the motifs can phase segregate into the same or into another nanorod.
In the latter case, a functional cross-link is formed by the bridging
chain that strengthens the polymer network. This study introduces
a supramolecular polymeric system that consists of two different nanorod
forming supramolecular motifs. When end-capped to monofunctional polymers,
these supramolecular motifs self-assemble in an orthogonal fashion
in two separate types of noncross-linked nanorods, resulting in a
viscous liquid lacking macroscopic properties. The addition of 15
mol % of an α,ω-telechelic polymer containing both supramolecular
motifs, each on one end, transforms this viscous sticky liquid to
a solid material with elastomeric properties due to network formation
between the two types of nanorods