Thermoresponsive Triblock?Copolymers of Polyethylene Oxide and Polymethacrylates: Linking Chemistry, Nanoscale Morphology, and Rheological Properties

Thermoreversible gels switch from a free-flowing liquid state to an elastic gel mesophase upon warming, displaying the reverse transition cooling. While this phenomenon makes these advanced materials highly attractive in numerous fields, generation of optimal tailored rheology and temperatures is stifled by lack design principles. To address need, library ABA copolymers has been prepared with “A” blocks exhibiting thermoresponsive behavior “B” poly(ethylene glycol). This evaluates effect chemistry, probing three polymer classes, A/B block molecular weight on thermally-induced phase changes solutions polymers. An exploration rheometry coupled Small-Angle Neutron Scattering (SANS) elucidates temperature-dependent hierarchical self-assembly processes occurring nanoscale as well bulk rheology. process deciphered links between supracolloidal assemblies (sphere, ellipses, cylinders) within interactions probed further via structure factors. Several principles are identified inform genesis next-generation thermoreversible gels, alongside novel exhibited solution for use applied healthcare technologies.