Bottlebrush polymers are branched polymers with high branching density all originating from a linear backbone. The “flexible rigid rod” behavior of these polymers provides unique physical properties and unusual emergent behaviors (ex. super soft elastomers, drug delivery and self-assembling systems) which has gain much attention recently. Thus far bottlebrush polymers have been limited to linear cylindrical shape. Herein, we present a reactor engineering strategy to control the shape of bottlebrush polymers by using a combination of two controlled polymerization synthesis bottlebrush with any axisymmetric shape. One controlled polymerization synthesizes the arms of the bottlebrush (ring opening polymerization) and the other polymerizes the backbone of the bottlebrush (ring opening metathesis polymerization). Theoretical derivations, in conjunction with a numerical model, are used to aid in the design and characterization of the shaped macromolecules. We have further characterized the materials through atomic force microscopy (AFM) as well as rheology. Rheological data is further correlated back to Brownian dynamics simulations. This methodology provides a unique opportunity to study the impact of macromolecules shapes.

Macromolecules with programmable shape, size, and chemistry

2019 Spring National Meeting

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