Supramolecular interaction of side-chain crystalline block co-polymer and its thermal rheological function

Recently, we polymerized a block copolymer that was constructed of side-chain crystalline monomer and a solvent-compatible monomer, which we referred to as a side-chain crystalline block copolymer (SCCBC). This SCCBC has a specific melting point. We found that this SCCBC was adsorbed onto polyethylene (PE) crystal by via supramolecular interaction. In addition, through this supramolecular interaction, the SCCBC acts as a dispersant for a concentrated PE particle dispersion, and this dispersion can be considered a Thermal Rheological Fluid. By using this novel supramolecular interaction, we can easily modify the surface properties of high crystalline polymers (PE, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), etc.), which have been thought to be inert. Especially, we can modify the inner surface properties of porous membranes without using physical methods (such as UV irradiation or plasma irradiation). Furthermore, these modified surface properties can revert to those in the non-modified state under changes in temperature. It may possible to develop intelligent materials with use of this supramolecular interaction in the near future.