Nano-structured polymer composites and process for preparing same
A process for preparing a polymer composite that includes reacting (a) a multi-functional monomer and (b) a block copolymer comprising (i) a first block and (ii) a second block that includes a functional group capable of reacting with the multi-functional monomer, to form a crosslinked, nano-structured, bi-continuous composite. The composite includes a continuous matrix phase and a second continuous phase comprising the first block of the block copolymer.
1. A process for preparing a polymer composite comprising reacting (a) a multi-functional monomer and (b) a block copolymer comprising (i) a first block and (ii) a second block that includes a functional group capable of reacting with the multi-functional monomer, to form a crosslinked, nano-structured, bicontinuous composite comprising a continuous matrix phase and a second continuous phase comprising the first block of the block copolymer, wherein the multi-functional monomer comprises a metathesis-reactive monomer and reacts with the second block of the block copolymer in the presence of a metathesis catalyst.
2. A process according to claim 1 , further comprising treating the composite to selectively remove the first block of the block copolymer in the second continuous phase to form a plurality of pores.
3. A process according to claim 2 , wherein the pores have an average pore diameter of about 1 to about 500 nanometers.
4. A process according to claim 2 , wherein the pores have an average pore diameter of about 10 to about 50 nanometers.
5. A process according to claim 2 , comprising treating the composite with a chemical etchant.
6. A process according to claim 1 , wherein the multi-functional monomer is a multi-functional, ethylenically unsaturated monomer.
7. A process according to claim 1 , wherein the metathesis-reactive monomer comprise a cyclic olefin.
8. A process according to claim 7 , wherein the cyclic olefin is selected from the group consisting of dicyclopentadiene, cyclooctene, and combination thereof.
9. A process according to claim 7 , wherein the metathesis catalyst comprises a functional-group tolerant metathesis catalyst.
10. A process according to claim 9 , wherein the functional-group tolerant catalyst comprises second generation Grubbs catalyst.
11. A process according to claim 1 , wherein the first block of the block copolymer is selected from the group consisting of a polylactide block, a sulfonated polystyrene block, and combinations thereof.
12. A process according to claim 1 , wherein the second block of the block copolymer includes an ethylenically unsaturated functional group capable of reacting with the multi-functional monomer.
13. A process according to claim 1 , wherein the second block of the block copolymer comprises a norbornenyl group capable of reacting with the multi-functional monomer.
14. A process according to claim 1 , wherein the second block of the block copolymer comprises a copolymer of styrene and norbornenylethylstyrene.
15. A process according to claim 1 , wherein the block copolymer further comprises a third block.
16. A process according to claim 1 , wherein (a) the multi-functional monomer is selected from the group consisting of dicyclopentadiene, cyclooctene, and combination thereof; and (b) the block copolymer is selected from the group consisting of a polylactide-poly (styrene-co-norbornenylethylstyrene) block copolymer, a sulfonated polystyrene-poly(styrene-co-norbornenylethylstyrene) block copolymer, a polylactide-poly(dimethyl acrylamide)-poly (styrene-co-norbornenylethylstyrene) block copolymer, and combinations thereof.
17. A process according to claim 1 , comprising reacting the multi-functional monomer and the block copolymer in the presence of a homopolymer polylactide.
18. A process according to claim 2 , wherein the composite is in the form of a nano-porous or barrier membrane.
19. A process according to claim 18 , wherein the membrane is a water purification membrane, ammonia separation membrane or fuel cell membrane.
20. A composition comprising a crosslinked, nano-structured, bicontinuous composite that includes a continuous matrix phase and a second continuous phase, wherein the continuous matrix phase comprises nanometer-sized domains, said nanometer-sized domains comprise a second block of a block copolymer, and the second continuous phase comprises a first block of the block copolymer, wherein the first block is selected from the group consisting of a polylactide block, a sulfonated polystyrene block, and combinations thereof.
21. A composition according to claim 20 , wherein the composite comprises a plurality of pores.
22. A composition according to claim 21 , wherein the pores have an average pore diameter of about 1 to about 500 nanometers.
23. A composition according to claim 21 , wherein the pores have an average pore diameter of about 10 to about 50 nanometers.
24. A composition according to claim 21 , wherein the composite is in the form of a nano-porous or barrier membrane.
25. A composition according to claim 24 , wherein the membrane is a water purification membrane, ammonia separation membrane or fuel cell membrane.
26. A composition comprising a crosslinked, nano-structured, bicontinuous composite that includes a continuous matrix phase and a second continuous phase, wherein the composite comprises the reaction product of (a) a multi-functional monomer and (b) a block copolymer comprising (i) a first block and (ii) a second block that includes a functional group capable of reacting with the multi-functional monomer, and the second continuous phase comprises the first block of the block copolymer, wherein the multi-functional monomer comprises a metathesis-reactive monomer and is capable of reacting with the second block of the block copolymer in the presence of a metathesis catalyst.