The objective is to synthesize and study the dynamics of model fully supramolecular double networks (Figure 1). They are based on a combination of metal-ligand interactions, phase separation and entanglements. The first, long life time, network is made from ABA triblock copolymers with a long central block and small outer blocks to ensure phase separation with strong and stable association. The second, short life time, network is built from telechelic stars or long linear polymers bearing terpyridine ligands at the chain-ends or along the chain, and crosslinked by the addition of transition metal cations. Here, we report on the synthesis of the ligand-functionalized and ABA triblock polymers by RAFT polymerization, and on the characterization of the two individual networks to fully understand the influence of the tailored bonds in the networks. These systems were studied by linear rheology in melt as well as in the solution according to different parameters such as composition, molar mass, ligand density, block length, nature of solvent.

So far, ABA triblocks with different composition and different molar mass have been synthesized. The block A is made of polystyrene (PS) with a total molar mass which is between 2 400 g/mol and 23 800 g/mol. This allows to form Block copolymer with different length. With the same idea, several poly n-butylacrylate (PnBA) with different molar mass have been synthesized using PS macro Raft agent. These systems have been studied by Linear Rheology in melt and also in solution with Isopropanol. This system is still studied.

Moreover, other ABA triblocks have been developed to be studied in aqueous solutions. There are made of PnBA as outer hydrophobic Block and Polydimethyacrylamide (PDMA) as center hydrophilic block. This system is synthesized by RAFT polymerization and studied in solution by Linear Rheology.

Therefore, long linear polymers bearing terpyridine along the chain have been synthesized. Their molar mass is closed to ABA triblocks. The system studied is composed of 4 terpyridine per chain. Rheology in melt without metal first and then by introducing 0.5 equivalent of metals have been used to characterize them (0.5 eq means we are introducing the stoichiometry according to terpyridine to form bis-complex).