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A design principle of polymers processable into 2D homeotropic order

Author

Listed:
  • Zhen Chen

    (School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo
    RIKEN Center for Emergent Matter Science)

  • Yi-Tsu Chan

    (School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo
    RIKEN Advanced Science Institute)

  • Daigo Miyajima

    (RIKEN Center for Emergent Matter Science
    RIKEN SPring-8 Center)

  • Takashi Kajitani

    (RIKEN Advanced Science Institute
    Chemical Resources Laboratory, Tokyo Institute of Technology)

  • Atsuko Kosaka

    (RIKEN Advanced Science Institute
    Chemical Resources Laboratory, Tokyo Institute of Technology)

  • Takanori Fukushima

    (RIKEN Advanced Science Institute
    Chemical Resources Laboratory, Tokyo Institute of Technology)

  • Jose M. Lobez

    (School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo
    RIKEN Advanced Science Institute)

  • Takuzo Aida

    (School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo
    RIKEN Center for Emergent Matter Science
    RIKEN Advanced Science Institute)

Abstract

How to orient polymers homeotropically in thin films has been a long-standing issue in polymer science because polymers intrinsically prefer to lie down. Here we provide a design principle for polymers that are processable into a 2D homeotropic order. The key to this achievement was a recognition that cylindrical polymers can be designed to possess oppositely directed local dipoles in their cross-section, which possibly force polymers to tightly connect bilaterally, affording a 2D rectangular assembly. With a physical assistance of the surface grooves on Teflon sheets that sandwich polymer samples, homeotropic ordering is likely nucleated and gradually propagates upon hot-pressing towards the interior of the film. Consequently, the 2D rectangular lattice is constructed such that its b axis (side chains) aligns along the surface grooves, while its c axis (polymer backbone) aligns homeotropically on a Teflon sheet. This finding paves the way to molecularly engineered 2D polymers with anomalous functions.

Suggested Citation

  • Zhen Chen & Yi-Tsu Chan & Daigo Miyajima & Takashi Kajitani & Atsuko Kosaka & Takanori Fukushima & Jose M. Lobez & Takuzo Aida, 2016. "A design principle of polymers processable into 2D homeotropic order," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 7(1), pages 1-9, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:7:y:2016:i:1:d:10.1038_ncomms13640
    DOI: 10.1038/ncomms13640
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