Direct imaging of self-organized Comb copolymer-like systems obtained by hydrogen bonding: Poly(4-vinylpyridine)-4-nonadecylphenol

Comb copolymer-like systems obtained by hydrogen bonding between flexible polymers and nonmesogenic amphiphiles represent a class of supramolecular materials with interesting self-organizing properties. Here we present the first results of transmission electron microscopy applied to mesomorphic systems of poly(4-vinyl pyridine)-4-nonadecylphenol as a characteristic example. Phase contrast imaging of iodine-stained samples Confirms the highly ordered lamellar structures with a long period of around 40 Angstrom inferred also from small-angle X-ray scattering data.