Block Copolymers with Crystallizable Blocks

<p>Block copolymers with crystallizable blocks have moved into the focus of current research owing to their unique self-assembly behaviour and properties. New synthetic concepts give for example even access to tetrablock copolymers with four crystalline blocks bio-based thermoplastic elastomers (e.g. based on ABA triblock copolymers with poly(<em>L</em>-lactide) (PLLA) hard segments) and allow new exciting insights into the interplay of microphase separation and crystallization in controlling self-assembly in bulk (confined<em> vs.</em> break-out crystalliza­tion).</p><p>Concerning self-assembly in solution crystallization-driven self-assembly (CDSA) paved the way to a myriad of crystalline-core micellar structures and hierarchical super­structures that were not accessible before via self-assembly of fully amorphous block copolymers. This allows for the production of cylindrical micelles with defined lengths length distribution and corona chemistries (block type or patchy corona) as well as branched micelles and fascinating micellar superstructures (e.g. 2D lenticular platelets scarf-shaped micelles multidimensional micellar assemblies and cross and windmill-like supermicelles).</p><p>This Special Issue brings together new developments in the synthesis and self-assembly of block copolymers with crystallizable blocks and also addresses emerging applications for these exciting materials. It includes two reviews on CDSA and eight contributions spanning from membranes for gas separation to self-assembly in bulk and solution.</p>