Functionalization-Induced Phase Transitions Driven By Lewis Acid-Base Adduct Formation In Polymer-Solvent Mixtures
Open Access
Author:
Hilaire, Tylene
Graduate Program:
Chemistry (MS)
Degree:
Master of Science
Document Type:
Master Thesis
Date of Defense:
June 29, 2021
Committee Members:
Philip Bevilacqua, Program Head/Chair Robert John Hickey, III, Thesis Advisor/Co-Advisor Elizabeth A Elacqua, Committee Member Michael Anthony Hickner, Committee Member Ramesh Giri, Committee Member Christian W. Pester, Committee Member
Keywords:
Lewis acid Lewis base Phase behavior Dynamic bonding Polymer Polymer-solvent Responsive polymers
Abstract:
The knowledge of polymer phase behavior in solution is critical for synthesis, purification, and characterization. However, fundamental knowledge of the Lewis adduct phase behavior involving polymers containing nucleophilic Lewis bases or electrophilic Lewis acids are lacking. Polymers with Lewis acid/base pendant groups that are capable of reversible bonding have garnered a lot of attention for applications to create thermal responsive materials and for catalysis. In this work, the phase behavior of the Lewis adducts formed by homopolymers containing a Lewis base, poly(diphenylphosphino styrene) (PDPPS), or a Lewis acid tri(pentaflurorphenyl)borane (BCF) was examined in detail. The Lewis acid/base quantities required for macrophase separation at room temperature was used to generate phase diagrams for this system. Incorporation of PDPPS into a diblock copolymer led to self-assembled micelles induced by Lewis acid/base functionalization. The reversible dynamic bonding nature of the Lewis adduct can be harnessed to potentially create responsive polymers in the future.
