Aggregation and Chain Dynamics in Supramolecular Polymers by Dynamic Rheology: Cluster Formation and Self-Aggregation

Supramolecular polyisobutylenes (PIB) bearing mono- and bifunctional chain ends with hydrogen-bonding units were prepared, and their association behavior in the melt state was investigated by dynamic rheology and compared to aggregation in solution, aiming at determining association dynamics in the solid state. A preparation combining living cationic polymerization with either azide/alkyne click reactions or nucleophilic substitution reactions enabled a full end group transformation to the final PIB polymers, modified with either thymine or 2,6-diaminotriazine end groups as proven by NMR and MALDI methods with molecular weights of similar to 3500 and similar to 10 000 g/mol. Stoichiometric mixtures of these polymers bearing specifically interacting thymine/triazine moieties were prepared by solution blending and the temperature-dependent dynamics investigated by rheological measurements. At temperatures of 20-60 degrees C all samples display strongly thermoreversible aggregation with sheet-type or partially cross-linked structures, which deaggregate at temperatures of similar to 80 degrees C. More complex aggregates with bridged micellar structure were formed from the respective bifunctional PIB's bearing thymine and 2,6-diaminotriazine moieties. Thus, in addition to specific linear aggregates, the formation of clusters and aggregates of different architecture has to be taken into account to understand and control structure and mechanical properties of supramolecular chains in the melt.