Block Copolymers via PISA for High-Solids Nanoparticles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for synthesizing block copolymers often require post-polymerization processing steps and are limited by low solids content, whereas the self-assembly of diblock copolymers in selective solvents offers advantages but lacks efficient methods for producing a wide range of morphologies and applications.
Innovation Solution
The development of non-crosslinked and crosslinked block copolymers derived from reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer polymerization of short and long chain alkyl (meth)acrylates or (meth)acrylamides, enabling the creation of block copolymers with specific monomer units and crosslinking agents for various industrial applications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If traditional post-polymerization processing methods are used to synthesize block copolymers, then the copolymers can be produced with defined structures, but additional processing steps are required and solids content is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines polymerization and self-assembly into a single integrated process called polymerization-induced self-assembly (PISA). The block copolymers self-assemble during the polymerization reaction itself, eliminating the need for separate post-polymerization processing steps while maintaining well-defined structures and achieving up to 50% w/w solids content
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a selective solvent that is chosen beforehand to be selective for the growing second block during polymerization. This preliminary selection of solvent creates the conditions for self-assembly to occur automatically during polymerization, before any post-processing is needed
2Productivity
If PISA is used to synthesize block copolymers at high solids content, then productivity is improved and post-processing is eliminated, but control over morphology diversity is challenged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent controls morphology diversity by systematically varying polymerization parameters including monomer composition, block length ratios, solvent selection, and reaction conditions. These parameter changes allow tuning of self-assembly outcomes to produce spheres, worms, vesicles, and other morphologies while maintaining high solids content and productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent achieves morphology control by creating local compositional differences within the block copolymer structure. By controlling the local arrangement of hydrophobic and hydrophilic blocks during self-assembly, different morphologies are produced while maintaining overall process efficiency
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach allows for the production of well-defined nanoparticles and colloidal particles with controlled morphologies, enhancing their potential in multiple industrial applications, including personal care compositions and Pickering emulsions, by providing stable and versatile polymer structures.
Implementation Method 1
AB type of diblock copolymers undergo self-assembly both in the solid state and in solution
Implementation Method 2
reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer polymerization of a combination of short and long chain alkyl (meth)acrylates or (meth)acrylamides
Data Source
AI summary
The invention provides non-crosslinked and crosslinked block copolymers comprising at least one block A comprising repeating units derived from monomers comprising one or more C1-C3 alkyl (meth)acrylamides and/or (meth)acrylates and at least one block B comprising repeating units derived from monomers comprising one or more C4-C40 alkyl (meth)acrylamides. The invention further provides compositions comprising the block copolymers and applications thereof in various industrial areas including personal care. The invention furthermore provides compositions comprising colloidal particles of the block copolymers. The variables x, y, R1, and R2 are described herein.