Nanoengineered Binetworks in Multifunctional Anionic Block Polymer Mesoblends for Improved Mechanical Properties

ABSTRACT Although a hydrated anionic pentablock polymer exhibits diverse properties that benefit the healthcare, energy, and environmental sectors, its corresponding mechanical properties limit its practical utility. The objective here is to generate binetwork polymer mesoblends possessing enhanced mechanical durability while simultaneously preserving key polymer properties such as antimicrobial functionality. These binetwork mesoblends have been produced by introducing poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate (PEGda) oligomers differing in molecular weight into the ordered nanostructure of block polymer films cast from different solvents, followed by in situ photocrosslinking. Nanostructural changes have been examined by both transmission electron microscopy and small‐angle X‐ray scattering, confirming the ability of mesoblending to largely maintain the original block polymer morphology prior to PEGda swelling. The mechanical property of most interest here is abrasion resistance since these films will be touched during antimicrobial activation, and our results confirm significant improvement of this property in the mesoblends tested. In addition, the tensile properties of the mesoblends become tunable. The inherent antimicrobial efficacy of the unmodified block polymer is retained for the most part after mesoblend formation and PEGda crosslinking. Our findings highlight a promising strategy for developing binetwork multifunctional polymers with enhanced mechanical robustness suitable for commercial applications requiring both durability and pathogen control.