Poly(ethylene oxide)-b-poly(L-lactide) diblock copolymer/carbon nanotube-based nanocomposites: LiCl as supramolecular structure-directing agent.

This work relies on the CNT dispersion in either solution or a polymer matrix through the formation of a three-component supramolecular system composed of PEO-b-PLLA diblock copolymer, carbon nanotubes (CNTs), and lithium chloride. According to a one-pot procedure in solution, the "self-assembly" concept has demonstrated its efficiency using suspension tests of CNTs. Characterizations of the supramolecular system by photon correlation spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and molecular dynamics simulations highlight the charge transfer interaction from the CNTs toward the PEO-b-PLLA/LiCl complex.

'Click' functionalization of cryogels conveniently verified and quantified using high-resolution MAS NMR spectroscopy.

Chemical modification reactions of alkyne containing polyHEMA-based macroporous network structures (cryogels) by Cu(I) catalyzed azide-alkyne 'click' cycloaddition reactions and their monitoring and quantification with high-resolution magic angle spinning (hr-MAS) NMR spectroscopy are reported. Complete conversion is obtained when benzylazide is reacted with the grafted alkyne function, but only partial conversion is observed when using azide-modified poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG-N(3) ). Subsequent addition of benzylazide consumes all remaining alkyne groups.

Design and use of organic nanoparticles prepared from star-shaped polymers with reactive end groups.

Star-shaped poly(isobornyl acrylate) (PiBA) was prepared by atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) using multifunctional initiators. The optimal ATRP conditions were determined to minimize star-star coupling and to preserve high end group functionality (>90%). Star-shaped PiBA with a narrow polydispersity index was synthesized with 4, 6, and 12 arms and of varying molecular weight (10,000 to 100,000 g x mol(-1)) using 4 equiv of a Cu(I)Br/PMDETA catalyst system in acetone.

Morphological transition during the thermal deprotection of poly(isobornyl acrylate)-b-poly(1-ethoxyethyl acrylate).

A set of poly(isobornyl acrylate)--poly(1-ethoxyethyl acrylate) polymers has been prepared by atom transfer radical polymerization. The 1-ethoxyethyl protecting group can be removed by a mild thermal treatment yielding the poly(acrylic acid) segment. The thin film morphological behavior of selected block copolymers was studied for as well as deprotected block copolymers using atomic force microscopy (AFM).