Fundamental structure-property relationships were established for a new class of polymeric network constructed from macroscale building blocks via controlled/living polymerizations (CLRP). By combining two CLRPs, precise control of network architecture was possible, enabling independent manipulation of the crosslink density and molecular weight between crosslinks (Mc). Telechelic macrocrosslinkers were synthesized using post-polymerization modification and reversible-deactivation radical polymerization, providing building blocks with narrow dispersities and targeted molecular weights. Macrocrosslinkers were covalently crosslinked through a second living polymerization to rapidly form gels with tailorable crosslinking densities and Mc values. By varying the degrees of polymerization of these two CLRPs, an order of magnitude range of gel moduli could be accessed, as evidenced by rheological characterization. Future studies will investigate porosity, transport, and swelling behavior for potential separation technologies and hydrogel applications.

Precision polymer networks with tailorable gel moduli via controlled/living polymerizations

256th National Meeting (2018)

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