Dendronized Polymers: Molecular Objects between Conventional Linear Polymers and Colloidal Particles

A. Dieter Schlueter, Avraham Halperin, Martin Kroeger, Dimitris Vlassopoulos, Gerhard Wegner, Baozhong Zhang

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

The term molecular object (MO) is introduced to describe single, shape persistent macromolecules that retain their form and mesoscopic dimensions irrespective of solvent quality and adsorption onto a surface. The concept is illustrated with results concerning homologous series of dendronized polymers (DP). In particular, we discuss imaging experiments quantifying deformation upon adsorption, defect characterization, and atomistic molecular dynamics simulations of DP structure. We argue that MOs such as high generation DP, with their large dimensions and high internal density, provide an opportunity to address fundamental questions regarding the onset of bulk-like behavior in single molecules. Illustrative examples of such questions concern the smallest MO exhibiting a glass transition, glassy behavior or a constant bulk density. The characteristics of DP MO are highlighted by comparison to polymer beads, polymeric micelles, globular proteins, and carbon nanotubes. We discuss future research directions and speculate on possibilities involving multiarmed and toroid DP and the effect of DP on friction and rheology, as well as their utilization for nanoconstruction.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)991-998
JournalACS Macro Letters
Volume3
Issue number10
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2014

Subject classification (UKÄ)

  • Chemical Sciences

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Dendronized Polymers: Molecular Objects between Conventional Linear Polymers and Colloidal Particles'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this