Microstructure of bottlebrush poly(n-alkyl methacrylate)s beyond side chain packing

Abstract

Based on results of small and wide angle X-ray scattering measurements, we report a new microstructural feature in bottlebrush poly (n-alkyl methacrylate)s larger than side chain packing. Temperature dependent X-ray experiments confirmed that such large scale aggregation structure is originated from the crystallization of the side chains. Two-dimensional X-ray scattering patterns revealed that the structure is due to the formation of disordered regions locate on average two layers of well crystallized side chains apart. Crystallization of the side chains rejected backbone entanglements to the surrounding area forming regions of high entanglement density so that restricting the crystallization of side chains. As such a density contrast is created between the crystallized regions and the disordered ones which results in strong small angle X-ray scattering signals.