1,3,4,5-Tetrasubstituted Poly(1,2,3-triazolium) Obtained through Metal-Free AA+BB Polyaddition of a Diazide and an Activated Internal Dialkyne.

A tetra(ethylene glycol)-based 1,3,4,5-tetrasubstituted poly(1,2,3-triazolium) is synthesized in two steps including: i) the catalyst-free polyaddition of a diazide and an activated internal dialkyne and ii) the N-alkylation of the resulting 1,2,3-triazole groups. In order to provide detailed structure/properties correlations different analogs are also synthesized. First, parent poly(1,2,3-triazole)s are obtained via AA+BB polyaddition using copper(I)-catalyzed alkyne-azide cycloaddition or metal-free thermal alkyne-azide cycloaddition (TAAC). Poly(1,2,3-triazole)s with higher molar masses are obtained in higher yields by TAAC polyaddition. A 1,3,4-trisubstituted poly(1,2,3-triazolium) structural analog obtained by TAAC polyaddition using a terminal activated dialkyne and subsequent N-alkylation of the 1,2,3-triazole groups enables discussing the influence of the methyl group in the C-4 or C-5 position on thermal and ion conducting properties. Obtained polymers are characterized by 1H, 13C, and 19F NMR spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetric analysis, size exclusion chromatography, and broadband dielectric spectroscopy. The targeted 1,3,4,5-tetrasubstituted poly(1,2,3-triazolium) exhibits a glass transition temperature of -23 °C and a direct current ionic conductivity of 2.0 × 10-6 S cm-1 at 30 °C under anhydrous conditions. The developed strategy offers opportunities to further tune the electron delocalization of the 1,2,3-triazolium cation and the properties of poly(1,2,3-triazolium)s using this additional substituent as structural handle.

Temperature-Controlled Slip of Polymer Melts on Ideal Substrates.

The temperature dependence of the hydrodynamic boundary condition between a polydimethylsiloxane melt and two different nonattractive surfaces made of either an octadecyltrichlorosilane self-assembled monolayer or a grafted layer of short polydimethylsiloxane chains has been characterized. We observe a slip length proportional to the fluid viscosity. The temperature dependence is deeply influenced by the surfaces. The viscous stress exerted by the polymer liquid on the surface is observed to follow exactly the same temperature dependences as the friction stress of a cross-linked elastomer sliding on the same surfaces. Far above the glass transition temperature, these observations are rationalized in the framework of a molecular model based on activation energies: increase or decrease of the slip length with increasing temperatures can be observed depending on how the activation energy of the bulk viscosity compares to that of the interfacial Navier's friction coefficient.

Sensing adsorption kinetics through slip velocity measurements of polymer melts.

The evolution over time of the nonlinear slip behavior of a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) polymer melt on a weakly adsorbing surface made of short non-entangled PDMS chains densely end-grafted to the surface of a fused silica prism has been measured. The critical shear rate at which the melt enters the nonlinear slip regime has been shown to increase with time. The adsorption kinetics of the melt on the same surface has been determined independently using ellipsometry. We show that the evolution of slip can be explained by the slow adsorption of melt chains using the Brochard-de Gennes's model.

Influence of grafting on the glass transition temperature of PS thin films.

We present an investigation of the effect of the interaction between a thin polystyrene film and its supporting substrate on its glass transition temperature ([Formula: see text]). We modulate this interaction by depositing the film on end-tethered polystyrene grafted layers of controlled molecular parameters. By comparing [Formula: see text] measurements versus film thickness for films deposited on different grafted layers and films deposited directly on a silicon substrate, we can conclude that there is no important effect of the film-subtrate interaction. Our interpretation of these results is that local orientation and dynamic effects substantial enough to influence [Formula: see text] cannot readily be obtained by grafting prepolymerized chains to a surface, due to intrinsic limitation of the surface grafting density.

1,2,3-Triazolium-Based Epoxy-Amine Networks: Ion-Conducting Polymer Electrolytes.

A diepoxy-functionalized 1,2,3-triazolium ionic liquid is synthesized in three steps and used in combination with a poly(propylene glycol) diamine to obtain ion-conducting epoxy-amine networks (EANs). The curing kinetics are followed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, while the physical, mechanical, and ion-conducting properties of the resulting networks are studied by swelling experiments, differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetric analysis, dynamic mechanical thermal analysis, and broadband dielectric spectroscopy. The curing kinetics and thermomechanical properties of this system are relatively similar to those of conventional DGEBA- (bisphenol A diglycidyl ether)-based EANs with low glass transition temperature (Tg = -44 and -52 °C, respectively) characteristic of rubbery polymer networks. The anhydrous ionic conductivity of the pure network at 30 °C reaches a remarkably high value of 2 × 10(-7) S cm(-1) that could be further increased to 10(-6) S cm(-1) by the addition of 10 wt% LiTFSI.

Reprocessing and Recycling of Highly Cross-Linked Ion-Conducting Networks through Transalkylation Exchanges of C-N Bonds.

Exploiting exchangeable covalent bonds as dynamic cross-links recently afforded a new class of polymer materials coined as vitrimers. These permanent networks are insoluble and infusible, but the network topology can be reshuffled at high temperatures, thus enabling glasslike plastic deformation and reprocessing without depolymerization. We disclose herein the development of functional and high-value ion-conducting vitrimers that take inspiration from poly(ionic liquid)s. Tunable networks with high ionic content are obtained by the solvent- and catalyst-free polyaddition of an α-azide-ω-alkyne monomer and simultaneous alkylation of the resulting poly(1,2,3-triazole)s with a series of difunctional cross-linking agents. Temperature-induced transalkylation exchanges of C-N bonds between 1,2,3-triazolium cross-links and halide-functionalized dangling chains enable recycling and reprocessing of these highly cross-linked permanent networks. They can also be recycled by depolymerization with specific solvents able to displace the transalkylation equilibrium, and they display a great potential for applications that require solid electrolytes with excellent mechanical performances and facile processing such as supercapacitors, batteries, fuel cells, and separation membranes.

Highly ordered nanoporous films from supramolecular diblock copolymers with hydrogen-bonding junctions.

We designed efficient precursors that combine complementary associative groups with exceptional binding affinities and thiocarbonylthio moieties enabling precise RAFT polymerization. Well defined PS and PMMA supramolecular polymers with molecular weights up to 30 kg mol(-1) are synthesized and shown to form highly stable supramolecular diblock copolymers (BCPs) when mixed, in non-polar solvents or in the bulk. Hierarchical self-assembly of such supramolecular BCPs by thermal annealing affords morphologies with excellent lateral order, comparable to features expected from covalent diblock copolymer analogues. Simple washing of the resulting materials with protic solvents disrupts the supramolecular association and selectively dissolves one polymer, affording a straightforward process for preparing well-ordered nanoporous materials without resorting to crosslinking or invasive chemical degradations.

Accelerated solvent- and catalyst-free synthesis of 1,2,3-triazolium-based poly(ionic liquid)s.

A straightforward and expeditious monotopic approach for the preparation of 1,2,3-triazolium-based poly(ionic liquids) (TPILs) is reported. It is based on the solvent- and catalyst-free polyaddition of an α-azide-ω-alkyne monomer in the presence of methyl iodide or N-methyl bis[(trifluoromethyl)sulfonyl]imide alkylating agents. Poly(1,2,3-triazole)s generated in bulk or by thermal azide-alkyne cycloaddition (AAC) are quaternized in-situ to afford TPILs composed of 1,3,4- and 1,3,5-trisubstituted 1,2,3-triazolium units. The physical and ion-conducting properties of the prepared samples are compared with the TPILs composed solely of 1,3,4-trisubstituted 1,2,3-triazolium units obtained through a multistep approach involving copper(I)-catalyzed AAC polyaddition, quaternization of the 1,2,3-triazole groups, and anion metathesis. TPILs obtained through the monotopic approach display thermal stabilities and ionic conductivities comparable to their pure regioisomeric analogues.

Dynamic Ion Gels from the Complex Coacervation of Oppositely Charged Poly(ionic liquid)s.

A cationic poly(ionic liquid) (PIL) with pendent butyl imidazolium cations and free bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide (TFSI) anions and an anionic PIL with pendent TFSI anions and free 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium cations are synthesized by postpolymerization chemical modification and reversible addition-fragmentation chain-transfer radical copolymerization, respectively. Upon mixing solutions of these two PILs in acetone with stoichiometric amounts of ion pairs, ionic exchanges induce coacervation and, after solvent evaporation, lead to the formation of a dynamic ion gel (DIG) and the concomitant release of free [1-methyl-3-butyl imidazolium]TFSI ionic liquid (IL). A comparison of thermal (Tg), ion conducting (σDC), and viscoelastic (elastic moduli (G')) properties for DIGs and their parent polyelectrolytes, as well as extracted and IL-doped DIGs, demonstrates the formation of ionic cross-links and the ability to easily produce polymer electrolytes with enhanced ionic conductivity (σDC up to 4.5 × 10-5 S cm-1 at 30 °C) and higher elastic moduli (G' up to 4 kPa at 25 °C and 1 rad s-1), making them highly desirable in many electrochemical applications, including supercapacitors, soft robotics, electrochromic devices, sensors, and solar cells.

Interface Manipulations Using Cross-Linked Underlayers and Surface-Active Diblock Copolymers to Extend Morphological Diversity in High-χ Diblock Copolymer Thin Films.

Top and bottom interfaces of high-χ cylinder-forming polystyrene-block-maltoheptaose (PS-b-MH) diblock copolymer (BCP) thin films are manipulated using cross-linked copolymer underlayers and a fluorinated phase-preferential surface-active polymer (SAP) additive to direct the self-assembly (both morphology and orientation) of BCP microdomains into sub-10 nm patterns. A series of four photo-cross-linkable statistical copolymers with various contents of styrene, a 4-vinylbenzyl azide cross-linker, and a carbohydrate-based acrylamide are processed into 15 nm-thick cross-linked passivation layers on silicon substrates. A partially fluorinated analogue of the PS-b-MH phase-preferential SAP additive is designed to tune the surface energy of the top interface. The self-assembly of PS-b-MH thin films on top of different cross-linked underlayers and including 0-20 wt % of SAP additive is investigated by atomic force microscopy and synchrotron grazing incidence small-angle X-ray scattering analysis. The precise manipulation of the interfaces of ca. 30 nm thick PS-b-MH films not only allows the control of the in-plane/out-of-plane orientation of hexagonally packed (HEX) cylinders but also promotes epitaxial order-order transitions from HEX cylinders to either face-centered orthorhombic or body-centered cubic spheres without modifying the volume fraction of both blocks. This general approach paves the way for the controlled self-assembly of other high-χ BCP systems.

RAFT polymerization of bio-based 1-vinyl-4-dianhydrohexitol-1,2,3-triazole stereoisomers obtained via click chemistry.

Four 1-vinyl-4-dianhydrohexitol-1,2,3-triazole stereoisomers are prepared from isomannide, isoidide, and isosorbide using an alkylation/CuAAC-ligation/elimination three-step strategy. After characterization of the monomers by NMR, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS), the corresponding stereocontrolled poly(1-vinyl-4-dianhydrohexitol-1,2,3-triazole)s are obtained by RAFT polymerization using a xanthate chain transfer agent. A systematic investigation of the structure-properties relationship of both the monomers and polymers highlights the significant impact of the dianhydrohexitols stereochemistry on their physical properties (1H and 13C NMR chemical shifts, physical state, Tg, thermal stability and solubility). A particularly original and unexpected behavior is highlighted since the two different isosorbide-based poly(1-vinyl-4-dianhydrohexitol-1,2,3-triazole) stereoisomers exhibit contrasting solubility in water.

Cross-linked polymer microparticles with tunable surface properties by the combination of suspension free radical copolymerization and Click chemistry.

We propose a general, versatile and broad in scope two-steps approach for the elaboration of cross-linked polymer microparticles (µPs) with tunable functionalities and surface properties. Surface-functionalized cross-linked polymer µPs with diameter in the 80 µm range are prepared by the combination of: 1) suspension free radical copolymerization of styrene, propargyl methacrylate and 1,6-hexanediol dimethacrylate, 2) subsequent covalent tethering of a variety of azide-functionalized moieties (i.e. rhodamine B fluorescent dye or poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) brush precursor) by copper(I)-catalyzed azide-alkyne cycloaddition (CuAAC) and, 3) optional N-alkylation of the 1,2,3-triazole groups followed by anion exchange reaction to afford covalently-tethered 1,2,3-triazolium ionic liquids with iodide or cresol red counter-anions. The resulting µPs are characterized by laser diffraction, differential scanning calorimetry, as well as by optical, confocal fluorescence, scanning electron and atomic force microscopies. Finally, the rheological properties of concentrated suspensions (volume fractions of 0.40 and 0.44) of the different synthesized µPs dispersed in a 1:1 (vol/vol) mixture of polyalkylene glycol and water are studied. The modification of µPs surface properties contributes not only to change the stability of the suspensions against flocculation, but also to significantly modify their rheological behavior at high shear stresses. This represents a clear experimental evidence of the importance of non-hydrodynamic contact forces in the rheology of non-Brownian suspensions (NBSs).

Precise synthesis of molecularly defined oligomers and polymers by orthogonal iterative divergent/convergent approaches.

The synthesis of perfectly defined (macro)molecules has been a constant challenge for polymer and organic chemists. This paper highlights the main applications of the iterative divergent/convergent approach for the synthesis of discrete mass oligomers and polymers. We will discuss the orthogonal deprotection and coupling strategies involved in this powerful strategy where chain length doubles at each iteration and which has been applied to the synthesis of conjugated rigid rods as well as amorphous and crystalline oligomers and polymers. The synthesis of perfectly defined oligomers in respect to emerging highly efficient and orthogonal chemistries will also be highlighted.

Click chemistry grafting of poly(ethylene glycol) brushes to alkyne-functionalized pseudobrushes.

A versatile method for the grafting of azide-terminated polymer chains to alkyne-functionalized pseudobrushes by the Cu(I)-catalyzed Huisgen 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition has been developed. First, poly[(propargyl methacrylate)-r-(glycidyl methacrylate)-r-(methyl methacrylate)] random copolymers with monomer ratios of respectively 27/27/46, 41/31/28, and 45/55/0 were synthesized by RAFT polymerization. Then, dense alkyne-functionalized pseudobrushes were grafted in melt by thermal ring-opening of the glycidyl groups by the silanols from the silicon substrate. Finally, the grafting of tailor-made alpha-methoxy-omega-azido-poly(ethylene glycol)s (M(w) approximately 5000, 20,000, and 50,000 g/mol) by Cu(I)-catalyzed Huisgen 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition was performed in sealed reactors at 60 degrees C for 72 h using a polymer weight fraction of 10% in tetrahydrofuran and Cu(PPh(3))(3)Br/DIPEA as the catalytic system. Alkyne-functionalized pseudobrushes and poly(ethylene glycol) brushes were characterized by ellipsometry, scanning probe microscopy, and water contact angle measurements. This "grafting-to" approach represents a fast and versatile method to provide thick and homogeneous polymer brushes with a high surface coverage. A major benefit of this strategy is the tunable and versatile tethering of alkyne functionalities to silicon substrates using a straightforward spin-coating procedure.

Structure-properties relationship of biosourced stereocontrolled polytriazoles from click chemistry step growth polymerization of diazide and dialkyne dianhydrohexitols.

The design of dialkyne and diazide functionalized dianhydrohexitol stereoisomers (1-6) afforded a new family of starch-based polytriazoles (7-15) with defined stereochemistry through A(2) + B(2) CuAAC step growth polymerization. The present strategy gave rise to polytriazoles having a high biosourced weight fraction (superior to 60% wt) and exhibiting relatively high molar masses (M(n) = 8-17 kg/mol) that could be easily dissolved in DMF or DMSO. The obtained materials were amorphous and displayed high transition temperatures (T(g) = 125-166 °C) as well as good resistance to thermal degradation (T(d10) = 325-347 °C). Monomer stereochemistry proved to be a crucial parameter aiming at generating polymers with high T(g). Thus, optimal thermal properties were obtained with monomers having RR absolute configuration of the C-2 and C-5 carbon atoms (isomannide configuration).

New amphiphilic glycopolymers by click functionalization of random copolymers - application to the colloidal stabilisation of polymer nanoparticles and their interaction with concanavalin A lectin.

Glycopolymers with mannose units were readily prepared by click chemistry of an azido mannopyranoside derivative and a poly(propargyl acrylate-co-N-vinyl pyrrolidone). These glycopolymers were used as polymer surfactants, in order to obtain glycosylated polycaprolactone nanoparticles. Optimum stabilization for long time storage was achieved by using a mixture of glycopolymers and the non-ionic triblock copolymer Pluronic® F-68. The mannose moieties are accessible at the surface of nanoparticles and available for molecular recognition by concanavalin A lectin. Interaction of mannose units with the lectin were evaluated by measuring the changes in nanoparticles size by dynamic light scattering in dilute media.

Viscoelasticity-Induced Onset of Slip at the Wall for Polymer Fluids.

The progressive onset of slip at the wall, which corresponds to a slip length increasing with the solicitation time before reaching a plateau, has been investigated for model viscoelastic polymer solutions, allowing one to vary the longest relaxation time while keeping constant solid-fluid interactions. A hydrodynamic model based on a Maxwell fluid and the classical Navier's hypothesis of a linear response for the friction stress at the interface fully accounts for the data. In the limit of the linear viscoelasticity of the fluid, we could postulate a Newtonian response for the interfacial friction coefficient, reflecting the local character of solid-liquid friction mechanisms. Deviations between the experiments and our model are observed when the fluid is far from its linear viscoelastic behavior.

Access to Thermodynamic and Viscoelastic Properties of Poly(ionic liquid)s Using High-Pressure Conductivity Measurements.

In this paper, we examine the transport properties of a 1,2,3-triazolium-based poly(ionic liquid) (PIL) at ambient and elevated pressure up to 475 MPa. We show that the isothermal and isobaric conductivity measurements analyzed in the 3D plane give a unique possibility to estimate the thermodynamic (isothermal compressibility and thermal expansion coefficient) properties for PILs having a charge transport fully controlled by viscosity. This result, providing a direct connection between thermodynamic and dynamic properties of PILs, is of significant importance for both material scientists and practical applications.

Click chemistry step growth polymerization of novel alpha-azide-omega-alkyne monomers.

A novel step growth polymerization A-B strategy based on the click chemistry polyaddition of tailor-made alpha-azide-omega-alkyne low molar mass monomers was developed, leading to polytriazole (co)polymers with tunable structures and properties.

Friction of Polymers: from PDMS Melts to PDMS Elastomers.

The slip behavior of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) polymer melts flowing on weakly adsorbing surfaces made of short nonentangled PDMS chains densely end-grafted to silica has been characterized. For high enough shear rates, slip lengths proportional to the bulk fluid viscosity have been observed, in agreement with Navier's interfacial equation and demonstrating that the interfacial Navier's friction coefficient is a local quantity, independent of the polymer molecular weight. Comparing the interfacial shear stresses deduced from these measured slip lengths to available friction stress measured for cross-linked PDMS elastomers, we further demonstrate the local character of the friction coefficient and compare its value to the monomer-monomer friction.