Rheological modifiers based on supramolecular block copolymers: From weak associations to interconnected micelles

Abstract The rheological spectra of poly(n-butyl acrylate) in the presence of a series of P(nBA-b-HEMA) rheology modifiers show a two-step relaxation process originating from the PnBA matrix and the self-assemblies. The HEMA segments are further grafted with strong, hydrogen bonding UPy groups, which both magnifies and slows down the relaxation of the assemblies. The extents of associations are enlightened by studying thermal transitions in DSC, morphological developments by SAXS, and description of rheological properties using a tube-based model. It is revealed that a weak association tendency, due to long hydrophobic blocks, leads to the formation of double-linear or star assemblies, whil…