Thermo-Responsive Polymer Brushes with Side Graft Chains: Relationship Between Molecular Architecture and Underwater Adherence.

During the last few decades, wet adhesives have been developed for applications in various fields. Nonetheless, key questions such as the most suitable polymer architecture as well as the most suitable chemical composition remain open. In this article, we investigate the underwater adhesion properties of novel responsive polymer brushes with side graft chain architecture prepared using "" approach on flat surfaces.

Aliphatic Long-Chain Polypyrophosphates as Biodegradable Polyethylene Mimics.

Biodegradable polyethylene mimics have been synthesized by the introduction of pyrophosphate groups into the polymer backbone, allowing not only hydrolysis of the backbone but also further degradation by microorganisms. Because of cost, low weight, and good mechanical properties, the use of polyolefins has increased significantly in the past decades and has created many challenges in terms of disposal and their environmental impact. The durability and resistance to degradation make polyethylene difficult or impossible for nature to assimilate, thus making the degradability of polyolefins an essential topic of research.

Noncovalent Hydrogen Bonds Tune the Mechanical Properties of Phosphoester Polyethylene Mimics.

Polyethylene mimics of semicrystalline polyphosphoesters (PPEs) with an adjustable amount of noncovalent cross-links were synthesized. Acyclic diene metathesis copolymerization of a phosphoric acid triester () with a novel phosphoric acid diester monomer () was achieved. PPEs with different co-monomer ratios and 0, 20, 40, and 100% of phosphodiester content were synthesized.