Polymeric tubular structures interactions

Martin s group proposed a mechanism based on electrostatic and solvophobic interactions between the growing polymer and the pore walls to explain the nanotube growth in template pores [241]. They observed that the interactions induce the growing polymer to nucleate and the chains grow preferentially along the pore wall to form tubular structures. As the polymerization proceeds further, the polymer grows inwardly and nanowires can be isolated. 

The self-assembly of natural and synthetic multifunctional unimers occurs, in fact, by a combination of classical molecular recognition and growth mechanisms. Self-assembled, reversible structures include linear, helical, columnar, and tubular polymers micelles monolayers and three-dimensional phases and networks. Self-assembled systems based on an interplay between covalent chains and supramolecular interactions are also important. Typical examples are side-chain SPs (Chapter 5), host-guest polymeric composites and dendrimers (Chapters 2 and 7), polymers with mechanical bonds (Chapter 8), and block copolymers (Chapters 9-11). 

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