Multiblock copolymer behaviour of α-CD/PEO-based polyrotaxanes: towards nano-cylinder self-organization of α-CDs

• DOI: 10.1039/b806656f
• Publication Date: 2008-08-12T14:19:25Z
• Authors: Christophe Travelet; Guy Schlatter; Pascal Hébraud; Cyril Brochon; Alain Lapp; Denis V. Anokhin; Dimitri A. Ivanov; Cédric Gaillard; Georges Hadziioannou
• Keywords: [CHIM.POLY] Chemical Sciences/Polymers; [CHIM.POLY]Chemical Sciences/Polymers; INCLUSION COMPLEXES; SCATTERING; 540; CYCLODEXTRIN; 01 natural sciences; 620; 0104 chemical sciences

The present work demonstrates that α-cyclodextrin/poly(ethylene oxide) (α-CD/PEO)-based polyrotaxanes (PRs) behave as multiblock copolymers. One block type consists of a rod-like tube made 6 to 7 weakly stacked α-CDs threaded along the PEO chain. other one is naked segment, i.e. PR part not covered by α-CDs. This behaviour induces self-organization PRs in concentrated solution dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) at room temperature leading formation nano-cylinders. These nano-cylinders consist assemblies roughly 60 α-CD tubes through hydrogen bonding. Moreover, crystallites segments are formed since poor solvent conditions temperature. Furthermore, well segment leads physical gelation DMSO.