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