The concept of controlling supramacromolecular self-assembly and disassembly of two building blocks (of polymers) with end-functional groups is displayed. By self-assembling two building blocks that carry non-covalent bonding moieties, a block copolymer-type supramacromolecule is formed via non-covalent bonding, resulting in a nanophase-separated structure with the length scale of the building blocks. By contrast, macrophase separation with a much larger length scale than the building blocks themselves can be observed if the two blocks are pulled apart under external stimuli such as heat or applied stress.
- Yushu Matsushita
- Atsushi Noro
- Atsushi Takano
