Polymers Containing Metals in the Side Chains: Impact on Self Assembly and Properties

  • Aamer Khaled A. (Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, University of Massachusetts) ;
  • Shunmugan Raja (Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, University of Massachusetts) ;
  • Tew Gregory N. (Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, University of Massachusetts)
  • Published : 2006.10.13

Abstract

Polymer architectures containing metal-ligands in their side chain represent a diverse approach to generating multi-functional materials. The ability to define a versatile synthetic platform will enable many chemistries and architectures to be studied. This report describes our latest efforts to prepare these unique polymers; random and block copolymers have been successfully prepared. Subsequent functionalization with metal ions leads to a variety of properties including metal induced gelation, solvochromic and metal ion sensors, and unique hierarchical self-assembled structures.

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