Supramolecular additive-induced conformational transition of polymer chains via z-z interaction

Controlling the conformation of polymer chains throughout melt processing is a critical factor in the development and optimization of polymer materials for a variety of applications. In this study, we present a supramolecular strategy for modulating the conformational transition of polymer and investigate the structural evolution with supramolecular additive. It is found that minute amounts (0.07-0.9 wt%) of supramolecular nucleating agent, N, N & PRIME;-dicyclohexylterephthalamide (DCHT), enable polystyrene (PS) chains to adopt more gauche conformation than the trans mode when processed from the melt, resulting in higher PS chain mobility and improved PS film transmittance. The conformational transition of PS chains shows dependence on the z-z interactions between PS and DCHT molecules. By controlling the critical assembly concentration and the selfassembly behavior of DCHT in PS, it is possible to tailor the ratio of gauche to trans states and the corresponding properties of PS. We anticipate that this study will advance the design and development of supramolecular additives for tailoring the structure and properties of other polymers.