Study on the structure, crystallization behavior, and properties of PVCH-PE-PVCH Block copolymers

Investigating the effects of different segment compositions in block copolymers on their performance is crucial for enhancing material properties and developing new applications. In this study, we investigate the impact of differing segment compositions on the crystallization behavior, microphase separation characteristics, and physical properties of Poly(vinylcyclohexane)-b-poly(ethylene)-b-poly(vinylcyclohexane) (PVCH-PE-PVCH) block copolymers. In PVCH-PE-PVCH block copolymers, the longer PE segments significantly enhance crystallization capability and order. These long PE segments not only facilitate more effective microphase separation, promoting the formation of larger structural domains, but also favor the crystallization of the PE phase, thereby markedly improving the material’s mechanical and optical properties. This reveals the pivotal role of the synergistic effect between long-chain PE distribution and microphase separation in regulating the structure and performance of high-performance polymer materials. Although theoretically, high PE content and high molecular weight are conducive to performance enhancement, this was not fully realized under conditions of weak phase separation capability and shorter PE chains. Therefore, we emphasize that optimizing the performance of these high-performance block copolymers through precise molecular design is feasible, providing powerful strategies and theoretical support for designing novel materials with specific functionalities.