Model Block Copolymers: Synthesis, Properties, and Morphologycal Aplications

M. NINAGO; A. J. SATTI; L. R. GÓMEZ; D. A. VEGA; ANDRES E. CIOLINO; M. A. VILLAR; E. M. VALLÉS

Block Copolymers: Phase Morphology, Material Applications and Future Challenges

Nova Publishers Inc.

Año: 2014; p. 1 - 46

Block copolymers constitute a fascinatinggroup of polymeric materials belonging to the ?soft matter? family. Thesematerials are formed by blocks of polymeric chains from different monomers. Inmost cases, these blocks are thermodynamically incompatible, but the covalentbonds between them impose specific arrangements, generating particularmorphologies both in bulk and in solution. Model block copolymers (copolymerswith known chemical composition and narrow molar masses distributions) are the keyto understand how these morphologies are formed. In this review, differentexperimental skills developed to synthesize model block copolymers will bepresented, including the conventional and laborious ionic as well as the modernand versatile controlled-radical polymerizations. In addition, a briefdescription of the morphological features regarding di- and tri-blockcopolymers will be discussed, including their applications in specific devices.