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Optically responsive supramolecular polymer glasses

Author

Listed:
  • Diederik W. R. Balkenende

    (Adolphe Merkle Institute, University of Fribourg, Chemin des Verdiers 4)

  • Christophe A. Monnier

    (Adolphe Merkle Institute, University of Fribourg, Chemin des Verdiers 4)

  • Gina L. Fiore

    (Adolphe Merkle Institute, University of Fribourg, Chemin des Verdiers 4)

  • Christoph Weder

    (Adolphe Merkle Institute, University of Fribourg, Chemin des Verdiers 4)

Abstract

The reversible and dynamic nature of non-covalent interactions between the constituting building blocks renders many supramolecular polymers stimuli-responsive. This was previously exploited to create thermally and optically healable polymers, but it proved challenging to achieve high stiffness and good healability. Here we present a glass-forming supramolecular material that is based on a trifunctional low-molecular-weight monomer ((UPyU)3TMP). Carrying three ureido-4-pyrimidinone (UPy) groups, (UPyU)3TMP forms a dynamic supramolecular polymer network, whose properties are governed by its cross-linked architecture and the large content of the binding motif. This design promotes the formation of a disordered glass, which, in spite of the low molecular weight of the building block, displays typical polymeric behaviour. The material exhibits a high stiffness and offers excellent coating and adhesive properties. On account of reversible dissociation and the formation of a low-viscosity liquid upon irradiation with ultraviolet light, rapid optical healing as well as (de)bonding on demand is possible.

Suggested Citation

  • Diederik W. R. Balkenende & Christophe A. Monnier & Gina L. Fiore & Christoph Weder, 2016. "Optically responsive supramolecular polymer glasses," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 7(1), pages 1-9, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:7:y:2016:i:1:d:10.1038_ncomms10995
    DOI: 10.1038/ncomms10995
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    Cited by:

    1. Jing Chen & Yiyang Gao & Lei Shi & Wei Yu & Zongjie Sun & Yifan Zhou & Shuang Liu & Heng Mao & Dongyang Zhang & Tongqing Lu & Quan Chen & Demei Yu & Shujiang Ding, 2022. "Phase-locked constructing dynamic supramolecular ionic conductive elastomers with superior toughness, autonomous self-healing and recyclability," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 13(1), pages 1-12, December.
    2. Benjamin Klemm & Reece W. Lewis & Irene Piergentili & Rienk Eelkema, 2022. "Temporally programmed polymer – solvent interactions using a chemical reaction network," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 13(1), pages 1-12, December.
    3. Fei Nie & Ke-Zhi Wang & Dongpeng Yan, 2023. "Supramolecular glasses with color-tunable circularly polarized afterglow through evaporation-induced self-assembly of chiral metal–organic complexes," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 14(1), pages 1-13, December.

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