Polymer Blending through Host–Guest Interactions

• DOI: 10.1021/ma401506t
• Publication Date: 2014-01-08T15:07:54Z
• Authors: Marco Dionisio; Lucia Ricci; Giulia Pecchini; Daniele Masseroni; Giacomo Ruggeri; Luigi Cristofolini; Enrico Rampazzo; Enrico Dalcanale
• Keywords: Miscibility; Polystyrene; Functional Polymers; Molecular Recognition; Cavitand

In this work, a supramolecular approach, based on molecular recognition, was used to direct the blending of immiscible polymers toward compatibility and even miscibility. A slight modification two polystyrene (PS) poly(butyl methacrylate) (PBMA), with introduction recognition groups tetraphosphonate cavitand (HOST) methylpyridinium (GUEST), respectively, led formation compatible mixtures between them, characterized by single Tg an homogeneous texture at surface level, as evidenced AFM measurements. The energetically favorable host–guest interactions among polymeric chains overcome their repulsive interfacial energy, leading suppression phase segregation level material. complexation PS–HOST PBMA–GUEST copolymers has been demonstrated be reversible action specific external stimulus in form guest exchange competitive N-methylbutyl ammonium chloride.