Aggregation and complexation behavior of C60-containing polymers and functionalized C60

Abstract

In this research, the effects of C60 on the aggregation and complexation behavior of polymers were studied. <br><br>Single- and double-C60-end-capped linear poly(ethylene oxide)s and a two-arm C60-containing poly(ethylene oxide) were prepared. The presence of C60 causes the amphiphilic C60-containing PEOs to form large aggregates in solutions. Due to the aggregation of C60, double-C60-end-capped PEO material possesses good mechanical properties arising from a physical network-like structure. <br><br>Complexation between C60-end-capped linear or four-arm PEO and poly(acrylic acid) was studied. There is a competition between the hydrophobic effect and the steric effect originated from C60 on the complex formation of the PEO/poly(acrylic acid) in aqueous solution. <br><br>Some functionalized C60 derivatives with multiple carboxylic acid or/and sulfonic acid groups are able to form complexes with poly(vinylpyridine)s via ionic interactions. In addition, the miscibility of the blends of functionalized C60 derivatives with PEO and C60-end-capped PEOs was studied. <br><br><br>