Straightforward Preparation of Telechelic H-bonding Polymers From Difunctional Trithiocarbonates and Supramolecular Block Copolymers Thereof

We report an original strategy toward the straightforward preparation of precisely defined telechelic H-bonding polymers and the generation of supramolecular block copolymers thereof. Making use of an alpha,omega-functionalized symmetrical trithiocarbonate bearing thymine groups at both chain ends, a series of heterocomplementary H-bonding polymers were effortlessly generated by RAFT polymerization in a one step process. The resulting telechelic macromolecules selectively interacted with heterocomplementary alpha-DAP-functionalized chains to afford supramolecular block copolymers in solution and in bulk. These self-assemblies were evidenced by H-1 NMR and rheological measurements. As a consequence of these associations, whereas non functional homopolymer blends tended to microphase separate as observed by AFM analysis, H-bonding homopolymer blends exhibited homogeneous microstructures in accord with the formation of supramolecular block copolymers promoting the stabilization of the interface between the polymers.