Tailoring of polymer properties by the synthesis of multiblock copolymers

Abstract

The coupling of liquid crystalline segments with both flexible segments [e.g. poly(tetrahydrofuran)] and rigid-amorphous segments (e.g. polysulfone) enables the tailoring of desired properties such as phase and thermal behavior, solid phase structure and, in particular, morphology. Multiblock copolymer formation allows the generation of different morphological features, ranging from non- to strongly phase separated systems. The macroscopical properties (dynamic-mechanical and rheological behavior, mechanical properties) reflect the combination of two polymers and can be balanced by using suitable molecular weights of the coupled segments.