Creation and control of new morphologies via supramacromolecular self-assembly

Various supramacromolecular self-assembly mechanisms of complex polymer systems via non-covalent bonding interactions were summarized in this article. Basically, three types of systems were introduced. The first class is the morphological transition of block copolymer/homopolymer blends with hydrogen bonds (HBs) or block copolymer/metal salt hybrids via complex formation. Systematic morphological transition was observed upon the addition of a homopolymer or metal salt, depending on its composition of volume fraction. The second class consists of the formation of block copolymer-type supramacromolecules via hydrogen bonding between two chemical moieties connected at one end of each polymer chain, resulting in new nanophase-separated structures. As an advanced branch of this second class, new morphologies were observed in block copolymer/block copolymer blends with HBs. The third class is supramacromolecular gelation, which was observed for ABA triblock copolymer/C homopolymer or telechelic polymer/homopolymer blends, both including complementary electron donors/acceptors.