Microstructure‐Driven Self‐Sorting of Chemically Indistinguishable Side Chains in Pre‐Programmed Alkyl Siloxanes Leading to Amplification of Mechanical Properties

Abstract

A unique microstructure-driven self-sorting of chemically indistinguishable side chains in alkyl siloxanes is reported for the first time. The difference in cooperativity among the side alkyl chains caused by the variation in backbone microstructure is the key to drive this self-sorting. The study also reveals that while alkyl chains of random and fully blocked siloxane discriminate each other, the alkyl chains of partially blocked siloxane can form crystals with both polymers resulting in reinforcement of the mechanical property of the blends.