Hierarchical Structure Formation in Poly(lactides): Role of Polymer Chain Packing on the Emissive Properties of Chromophore Embedded Poly(Lactide)s

The structural ordering process plays a key role in controlling the nanostructured morphologies of multiphase systems for diverse applications. The covalent incorporation of chromophore molecules into polymers has several advantages such as processability, solubility, mechanical stability, thermal stability, and structural diversity. These materials have received increasing attention in various fields, such as cell imaging, fluorescent sensors, electroluminescence devices, and biological probes. In the first part of my talk, the crystallization behavior of enantiomeric polylactides will be discussed to elucidate insights into chain dispositions and develop crystalized structures through intra- and inter-chain chiral interactions [1]. The co-crystal formation of Poly(L-lactide) (PLLA) with solvents is a recent observation in PLLA crystallization, solvent desorption process from the cocrystals during heating and its influence on the crystalline transitions and the lamellar morphology will be discussed [2]. The stereocomplex formation and hierarchical structural changes during the heating of supramolecular gels obtained by polylactide racemic blends will be discussed [3]. In the second part of my talk, the role of morphology and the polymer chain packing on the solid-state emission properties of the chromophore-embedded PLLAs will be discussed [4-7]. In the last part of my talk, dual-color emissive hybrid materials based on PLLA and polyethylene glycol-modified two-dimensional layered double hydroxide quantum dots (PEG-LDHQDs) will be discussed [8].

Figure – (a & b) TEM & AFM images of single crystals of anthracene-appended PLLA and (c) Schematic illustration of anthracene moieties arrangement on the surface of a single crystal.

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Speakers

Bhoje Gowd E

KAUST

KAUST Research Centers

KCC Research Groups