Asymmetrically end-group functionalized block copolymers

Synthetic polymers are classically generated by initiating a cascade of covalent bond formations. However, inspired by nature, and her ability to catalyse, template, and organise complex structures, interest has been placed on biomimetic construction of macromolecules through the collective and cooperative self assembly of smaller molecules by hydrogen bonding. This project will provide an entry into asymmetrically end-group functionalized block copolymers. The methodology under investigation will be Ring Opening Metathesis Polymerisation (ROMP) due to its extraordinary functional group tolerance and its living nature. The end-groups will comprise a broad variety of hydrogen bonding acceptor and donor groups. Those groups will be introduced via the initiator at the beginning and subsequently via appropriate termination reagents at the end of the polymerisation reaction. Doing so, the challenge is to conserve the living nature of the polymerisation procedure in order to guarantee block copolymer synthesis. The concomitant presence of a block copolymer and end-groups with additional structuring abilities is expected to open up a wide field of potential applications. In the framework of the project package on hand, the focus is laid on low dielectric constant materials. Along with the general interest to obtain asymmetrically end-functionalised block copolymers, the proposed program will also offer a unique possibility to structure such materials in collaboration with the other groups involved within this joint effort.

Synthetic polymers are classically generated by initiating a cascade of covalent bond formations. However, inspired by nature, and her ability to catalyse, template, and organise complex structures, interest has been placed on biomimetic construction of macromolecules through the collective and cooperative self assembly of smaller molecules by hydrogen bonding. This project will provide an entry into asymmetrically end-group functionalized block copolymers. The methodology under investigation will be Ring Opening Metathesis Polymerisation (ROMP) due to its extraordinary functional group tolerance and its living nature. The end-groups will comprise a broad variety of hydrogen bonding acceptor and donor groups. Those groups will be introduced via the initiator at the beginning and subsequently via appropriate termination reagents at the end of the polymerisation reaction. Doing so, the challenge is to conserve the living nature of the polymerisation procedure in order to guarantee block copolymer synthesis. The concomitant presence of a block copolymer and end-groups with additional structuring abilities is expected to open up a wide field of potential applications. In the framework of the project package on hand, the focus is laid on low dielectric constant materials. Along with the general interest to obtain asymmetrically end-functionalised block copolymers, the proposed program will also offer a unique possibility to structure such materials in collaboration with the other groups involved within this joint effort.