Amphiphilic diblock copolymers with adhesive properties: I. Structure and swelling with water.

We study asymmetric block copolymers with the simple diblock AB architecture, in the case where the longer block A is both hydrophobic and "soft", whereas the shorter block B is hydrophilic and "hard". Materials with such a particular combination of physico-chemical and mechanical properties have distinctive advantages, in particular for designing water-compatible adhesive materials. The phase diagram is established, combining NMR and SAXS characterisations of the materials. The swelling with water is monitored through gravimetry and "time-resolved" SAXS. Indications of maintained adhesive properties in a wet environment are given.