Abstract
Abstract We have performed synthesis and testing of novel supramolecular thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs). The polymers incorporate metal-ligand bonds between terbium (Tb3+) ions and imidazole groups in a triblock copolymer poly(isobornyl acrylate)-block-poly(n-butyl acrylate-co-1-vinylimidazole)-block-poly(isobornyl acrylate) (PIBA-b-P(BA-co-VI)-b-PIBA) as a second reversible physical cross-link in addition to the effective physical cross-linking from the microphase separated domains. The resulting supramolecular TPEs are optically active with efficient photoluminescence and mechanically tough with both high tensile strength and high stretchability. The incorporation of metal-ligand coordination increases the glass transition temperature of the soft middle block without changing the characteristic length of the microphase separation. This convenient and robust method is generally applicable to fabricating various block copolymer-based supramolecular elastomers with enhanced mechanical properties and tunable optical characteristics.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
