Amphiphilic diblock copolymers with adhesive properties: 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 characterizations 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.