Fabrication and structural analysis of polyrotaxane fibers and films

J Phys Condens Matter. 2011 Jul 20;23(28):284108. doi: 10.1088/0953-8984/23/28/284108. Epub 2011 Jun 27.

Abstract

Polyrotaxane (PR), a typical example of topological supramolecular architecture, consists of multiple cyclic molecules threaded onto a linear polymer backbone and capped with bulky end-groups. The PR system of polyethylene glycol and α-cyclodextrin (α-CD) has been extensively studied for its facile synthesis, unique molecular structure, and possible applications for various smart materials. We have previously demonstrated the fabrication of PR-based fibers without chemical cross-links by wet spinning of PR solution. In this paper, we investigate the crystal structure of α-CDs in PR fibers and the effect of drawing on it. The α-CDs in PR fiber are found to form hexagonal channel-type structure. The drawing process promotes formation of the packing arrangement of α-CDs in the c-axis because of the sliding of α-CD molecules along the polymer backbone. In addition, we demonstrate the preparation of an elastomeric PR film having similar network structure to the fibers and ethylene glycol oligomer as plasticizer.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Circular Dichroism
  • Cross-Linking Reagents / chemistry*
  • Crystallization
  • Cyclodextrins / chemistry*
  • Materials Testing
  • Models, Chemical
  • Poloxamer / chemistry*
  • Rotaxanes / chemistry*

Substances

  • Cross-Linking Reagents
  • Cyclodextrins
  • Rotaxanes
  • polyrotaxane
  • Poloxamer