We report the synthesis and characterization of a metallo-supramolecular polymer based on 2,6-bis-(1' methyl benzimidazoyl) pyridine (BIP) ligands tethered to a poly(n-butyl acrylate) polymer backbone. The influence of the metal-ligand bond strength and phase separation on the mechanical properties of the polymer was investigated. Metal-ligand bond strength primarily affected the properties of the polymer at high temperatures and strains. The phase separation of the complexes within the polymer complexes acted as physical crosslinks and caused a 10x increase in the rubbery plateau modulus over what would be expected based on the theory of rubber elasticity. In addition, the effect of incorporating unbound metal-ligand complexes into the polymer was explored. It was found that the bound and unbound complexes phase segregated together forming ordered, cylindrical domains. The storage modulus, compressive storage modulus, high temperature stability, and creep resistance increased with increasing concentration of metal-ligand complex in the polymer.

Model metallo-supramolecular crosslinked polymers with tunable properties

248th National Meeting (2014)

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.