Eur. Phys. J. E (2006) 20: 273-287
https://doi.org/10.1140/epje/i2005-10130-7

Regular Article

Amphiphilic diblock copolymers with adhesive properties: I. Structure and swelling with water

¹ Centre de recherche Paul-Pascal, CNRS, 115 avenue Albert-Schweitzer, F-33600, Pessac, France
² Laboratoire de chimie des polymères organiques, UMR CNRS-ENSCPB-Université Bordeaux-I, 16 avenue Pey-Berland, F-33607, Pessac Cedex, France
³ Laboratoire de physique des fluides organisés, UMR CNRS-Collège de France, 11 place Marcelin-Berthelot, F-75231, Paris Cedex 05, France
⁴ groupement de recherches de Lacq, ARKEMA, Boıte postale 34, F-64170, Lacq, France

^* e-mail: nallet@crpp-bordeaux.cnrs.fr

Received: 21 December 2005
Accepted: 7 June 2006
Published online: 13 July 2006

Abstract

We study asymmetric block copolymers with the simple diblock AB architecture, in the case where the longer block A is both hydrophobic and “soft”, whereas the shorter block B is hydrophilic and “hard”. Materials with such a particular combination of physico-chemical and mechanical properties have distinctive advantages, in particular for designing water-compatible adhesive materials. The phase diagram is established, combining NMR and SAXS characterisations of the materials. The swelling with water is monitored through gravimetry and “time-resolved” SAXS. Indications of maintained adhesive properties in a wet environment are given.