Credit: Shiki Yagai - Chiba University
Supramolecular polymers are a new class of polymers that have been of interest to create next-generation materials that are sustainable and self-healing, however previous attempts at controlling their growth have fallen short. Researchers at Chiba University have developed a novel method of controlling their growth by utilizing open-ended “seeds”.
Previous research into growing these polymers utilized a closed-ended seed, which led to molecules simply attaching and creating clusters instead of elongating. However, in the study published in Chemical Communications, researchers utilized an open-ended helicoidal seed. This open-ended seed acted as a framework, encouraging new molecules to attach and elongate the polymer.
"By understanding these assembly processes, we can design and develop the next generation of more precise and environmentally friendly polymers with tailored structures and properties. The practical application of supramolecular polymers will enable us to produce plastic materials with lower energy consumption and reduce the energy required for recycling," said Professor Shiki Yagai.
By unraveling how to manipulate these self-assembling polymers, materials scientists will now be able to further advance the research into how to build these polymers by triggering them with seeds and how the seeds can affect both the growth as well as the final shape of the structure. Supramolecular polymers have numerous potential applications including self-healing polymers, advanced drug delivery mechanisms, and recyclable materials manufacturing.