Sequence Effects on Block Copolymer Self-Assembly through Tuning Chain Conformation and Segregation Strength Utilizing Sequence-Defined Polypeptoids

Polymers with sequence control offer the possibility of tuning segregation strength with comonomer sequence instead of chemical identity. Here, we have synthesized polystyrene-b-polypeptoid diblock copolymers that differ only in the sequence of comonomers in the polypeptoid block, where nonpolar phenyl side chains are incorporated to tune compatibility with polystyrene. Using small-angle X-ray scattering, we see that these materials readily...