Synthesis and dynamics of double polymer networks based on microphase separation and metal-ligand interactions

Abstract

Polymer gel and networks are fascinating, versatile soft materials ubiquitous in daily life and have high added-value applications. These networks are divided into two categories known as chemical networks and physical networks. Today the biggest challenge is to combine and control within the same material all distinct features that make them ideal for application. To address this challenge, a new type of polymer network has been developed to combine at least two dynamics in the same material, giving rise to a multiscale viscoelastic response under external stress or deformation field. Two interpenetrating polymer networks form double Networks (DN) with improved toughness and extensibility compared to the two individual networks. Our objective is to study the dynamics of model fully supramolecular double networks elastomers based on a combination of metal-ligand interactions and microphase separation. The first, long lifetime network is made from a microphase separated ABA triblock copolymer with a long central block and small outer blocks to ensure strong and stable association. The second, short lifetime, network is built from a short linear polymer bearing terpyridine ligands as side groups and is crosslinked by the addition of transition metal ions. The present thesis aims to develop thermoplastic elastomers with heat resistance. The designed supramolecular molecular polymers will be synthesized and investigated to understand the relationship between structure and linear viscoelastic response prior to being used in Double Dynamics Networks.(SC - Sciences) -- UCL, 202