Side-Chain Supramolecular Polymer Networks

Having discussed self-assembly strategies toward noncovalently functionalized side chain supramolecular polymers as well as studies toward the orthogonahty of using multiple noncovalent interactions in the same system, this section presents some of the potential applications of these systems as reported in the literature. The apphcations based on these systems can be broadly classified into two areas 1) self-assembled functional materials and 2) functionalized reversible network formation. 

Network Formation Using Side Chain Supramolecular Polymers... 

Noncovalent network formation has been described extensively using either main-chain or side-chain supramolecular polymers (Figure 1). In the latter case, the general design comprises the incorporation of molecular recognition units... 

Supramolecular polymers can be divided into two main categories, namely main-chain and side-chain supramolecular polymers. Additionally, networks can be obtained using multifunctional moieties [7]. A schematic overview is shown in Figure 4.1. 

Binder WH, Zirbs R. (2007) Supramolecular polymers and networks with hydrogen bonds in the main- and side-chain. Adv. Polym. Sci. 207 1-78. 

The interaction of CD dimers or CD polymers with side chain guest polymers leads to the reversible formation of three-dimensional supramolecular networks, as shown in Fig. 17. 

Figure 1 Side-chain and main-chain supramolecular polymers of varying architecture linear polymers and cross-linked polymCT networks. (Reproduced from Ref. 16. Wiley-VCH, 2001.)...

Kawakami T, Kato T. Use of intermolecular hydrogen bonding between imidazolyl moieties and carboxylic acids for the supramolecular self-association of liquid-crystalline side-chain polymers and networks. Macromolecules 1998 31 4475-4479. 

Binder, VP. H. and Zirbs, R. Supramolecular Polymers and Networks with Hydrogen Bonds in the Main- and Side-Chain. Vol. 207, pp. 1-78... 

Fig. 3 Schematic representations of some possible supramolecular liquid crystalline polymer architectures, a-e Different classes of main-chain structures, f-i Different side chain polymers, j-m Different types of networks...

Figure 4.1 Schematic representation of dif- polymer, (c) Supramolecular block copolymer, ferent classes of supramolecular polymers. (d) Side-chain-functionalized supramolecular (a) Small-molecule main-chain supramolec- polymer, (e) Supramolecular network, ular polymer, (b) Branched supramolecular...

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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