Reaction-induced phase transitions with block copolymers in solution and bulk

• Published in: Polymer chemistry 2021-01, Vol.12 (1), p.12-28
• Main Authors: Lequieu, Joshua, Magenau, Andrew J. D
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Block copolymers; Chain scission; Chemical reactions; Cleavage; Conjugation; Macromolecules; Morphology; Phase transitions; Polymer chemistry; Polymerization; Self-assembly
• ISSN: 1759-9954; 1759-9962
• DOI: 10.1039/d0py00722f

Reaction-induced phase transitions (RIPTs) encompass a broad range of synthetic strategies that use chemical reactions to drive the organization of macromolecules into complex, nanoscale morphologies. A diverse set of chemical reactions are now available which can alter a polymer's composition and can provide access to a rich landscape of tailorable morphologies in both solution and bulk. In this review, we highlight advances in RIPTs that rely upon functionalization, deprotection, conjugation, chain-scission, grafting, and polymerization to induce disorder-to-order or order-to-order phase transitions in situ . To date, polymerization-induced self-assembly is the most well-established RIPT, but only represents one of a broader family of reactions for inducing macromolecular organization. This contribution explores the wider field of chemical reactions for inducing macromolecular self-assembly or reorganization and takes a comprehensive look at significant and recent developments in this flourishing area of research. Reaction-induced phase transitions use chemical reactions to drive macromolecular organisation and self-assembly. This review highlights significant and recent advancements in this burgeoning field.