Synthesis and Rheology of Bulk Metallo-Supramolecular Polymers from Telechelic Entangled Precursors

This work studies the linear viscoelastic properties of a series of low-dispersity poly(n-butyl acrylate) chains end-functionalized with 2,2′;6′,2″-terpyridine, able to self-associate by metal–ligand coordination. Depending on the architecture and functionality of the chains, the polymers self-assemble into different metallo-supramolecular bulk structures once metal ions are added. Linear building blocks (monofunctional or bifunctional) form longer chains while four-arm stars form networks. The properties of the obtained materials can be finely tuned depending on the length of the polymer chains and the type of metal. In this respect, enhanced control is gained over the dynamics of this class of metallo-supramolecular assemblies. Hence, they are extremely interesting for specific applications such as adhesives or mechanosensors.