Polyisobutylene‐based polyurethanes. V. Oxidative‐hydrolytic stability and biocompatibility

The oxidative/hydrolytic stability of polyurethanes (PUs) containing exclusively polyisobutylene (PIB), or mixed PIB/polytetramethylene oxide (PTMO), or mixed PIB/polyhexamethylene carbonate (PC) soft segments was investigated. The tensile strengths and elongations of various PUs were determined before and after agitating in 35% HNO₃ or 20% H₂O₂/0.1 M CoCl₂ solutions and retentions were quantified. The presence of PIB imparts significant oxidative/hydrolytic resistance. The tensile strength and elongation of PUs containing 70% PIB, or those of mixed PIB/PC soft segments with 50% PIB, remained essentially unchanged upon exposure to HNO₃; in contrast, PUs containing mixed PIB/PTMO soft segments with 50% PIB underwent significant degradation. The tensile strength of PUs with mixed PIB/PC (60/10%) soft segment increased after exposure to HNO₃, most likely because of oxidative crosslinking of PC segments. PIB/PTMO‐ and PIB/PC‐based PUs and commercially available PUs (Elast‐Eon® and Carbothane®) were exposed to H₂O₂/CoCl₂ solutions for up to 14 weeks. Although the experimental PIB/PC‐based PUs exhibited negligible change in mechanical properties and no surface damage, Elast‐Eon® and Carbothane® showed significant surface damage. PIB‐based polyureas and Bionate® were implanted in rats for 4 weeks in vivo, and their biocompatibility was investigated. The biocompatibility of PIB‐based materials was superior to Bionate®. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 48: 2194–2203, 2010     

Synthesis and Characterization of Thermoplastic Polyurethaneureas based on Polyisobutylene and Poly(tetramethylene oxide) Segments

New thermoplastic polyurethaneureas (TPUU) based on polyisobutylene (PIB) and poly(tetramethylene oxide) (PTMO) segments have been synthesized possessing tensile properties comparable to conventional PTMO based TPUs. PIB based TPUU containing 35 weight (wt)% hard segment was synthesized by chain extension of H₂N-Allyl-PIB-Allyl-NH₂ with 4,4′ -methylene bis(phenylisocyanate) (MDI) and 1,4-butanediol (BDO) in toluene. The ultimate tensile strength (UTS) = 12 MPa and ultimate elongation = 70% were inferior to PTMO based polyurethane (UTS = 35 MPa, elongation at break = 600%). H₂N-Allyl-PIB-Allyl-NH₂ and HO-PTMO-OH in different proportions were chain extended in presence of MDI and BDO to obtain TPUUs containing 35 wt% hard segment. The polymers exhibited M _ns = 84000–138000 with polydispersity indices (PDIs) = 1.7–3.7. The UTS = 23–32 MPa and elongation at break = 250–675% was comparable to that of PTMO based polyurethane and significantly higher than the PIB based TPUU with the same Shore hardness. The Young's modulus of the polymers was strongly dependent and directly proportional to the PIB wt% in the SS of the TPUUs.     

Polyisobutylene‐based polyurethanes X: PU nanocomposites with s‐containing soft segments

Sulfur‐containing polyisobutylene (PIB)‐based polyurethane nanocomposite (PIB_s‐PU/NC) was synthesized using HO? CH₂CH₂? S? PIB? S? CH₂CH₂? OH for the soft segment, conventional hard segments of MDI and BDO, and organically modified montmorillonite (OmMMT) nanolayers. The properties of PIB_s‐PU/NC containing 72.5% PIB and 0.5% OmMMT were studied and contrasted with unmodified PIB_s‐PU. PIB_s‐PU/NC produces colorless optically clear films exhibiting enhanced tensile strength, elongation, oxidative–hydrolytic stability, and creep resistance relative to that of PIB_s‐PU. FTIR spectroscopy indicates H bonded S atoms between soft and hard segments, and OmMMT nanolayers. DSC and XRD suggest randomly dispersed low‐periodicity crystals and urea groups between galleries. We propose that minute amounts of OmMMT nanolayers become covalently attached to polyurethane chains and beneficially affect properties by acting as co‐chain extender/reinforcing filler. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2016 , 54, 2760–2765     

Polyisobutylene‐based segmented polyureas. I. Synthesis of hydrolytically and oxidatively stable polyureas

Novel segmented polyurea elastomers containing soft polyisobutylene (PIB) segments were synthesized and characterized. The key ingredient, primary amine‐telechelic PIB oligomers (NH₂‐PIB‐NH₂) with number average molecular weights of 2500 and 6200 g/mol were synthesized. PIB‐based polyureas were prepared by using various aliphatic diisocyanates and diamine chain extenders with hard segment contents between 9.5 and 46.5% by weight. All copolymers displayed microphase morphologies as determined by dynamic mechanical analysis. Tensile strengths of nonchain‐extended and chain‐extended polyureas showed a linear dependence on the urea hard segment content. PIB‐based polyureas prepared with NH₂‐PIB‐NH₂ of M_n = 2500 g/mol, 4,4′‐methylendbis(cyclohexylisocyantate), and 1,6‐diaminohexane containing 45% hard segment exhibited 19.5 MPa tensile strength which rose to 23 MPa upon annealing at 150 °C for 12 h. With increasing hard segment content, elongation at break decreased from ～ 450% to a plateau of 110%. The hydrolytic and oxidative stability of PIB‐based polyureas were unprecedented. Although commercial “oxidatively resistant” thermoplastic polyurethanes degraded severely upon exposure to boiling water or concentrated nitric acid, the experimental polyureas survived without much degradation in properties. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 47: 38–48, 2009     

Rubbery wound closure adhesives. I. design,synthesis, characterization,and testing of polyisobutylene‐based cyanoacrylate homo‐ and co‐networks

Novel rubbery wound closures containing various proportions and molecular weights of polyisobutylene (PIB) and poly(2‐octyl cyanoacrylate) [P(OctCA)] for potential clinical use were designed, synthesized, characterized, and tested. Homo‐networks were prepared by crosslinking 3‐arm star‐shaped PIBs fitted with terminal cyanoacrylate groups, [Ø(PIB‐CA)₃], and co‐networks by copolymerizing Ø(PIB‐CA)₃ with OctCA using N‐dimethyl‐p‐toluidine (DMT). Neat Ø(PIB‐CA)₃, and Ø(PIB‐CA)₃/OctCA blends, upon contact with initiator, polymerize within seconds to optically transparent strong rubbery co‐networks, Ø(PIB‐CA)₃‐co‐P(OctCA). Homo‐ and co‐network formation was demonstrated by sol/gel studies, and structures and properties were characterized by a battery of techniques. The T_g of P(OctCA) is 58 °C by DSC, and 75 °C by DMTA. Co‐networks comprising 25% Ø(PIB‐CA)₃ (M_n = 2400 g/mol) and 75% P(OctCA) are stronger and more extensible than skin. Short and long term creep studies show co‐networks exhibit high dimensional stability and <6% creep strain at high loading. When deposited on porcine skin co‐networks yield hermetically‐adhering clear rubbery coatings. Strips of porcine skin coated with co‐networks could be stretched and twisted without compromising membrane integrity. The co‐network is nontoxic to L‐929 mouse fibroblasts. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2015 , 53, 1640–1651     

Multi-arm Star Polyisobutylenes. V. Characterization of Multi-arm Polyisobutylene Stars by Viscometry,Pour Points,Electron Microscopy,and Ultrasonic Shear Degradation

Abstract

Structure/property relationship of multi-arm star polyisobutylenes [?-(PIB) _n s] were characterized by a variety of techniques, including vis-cometry, pour points, electron microscopy, and ultrasonic degradation. The intrinsic viscosity of ?-(PIB) _n s changes very little with temperature in the 30 to 100°C range, whereas that of linear PIBs of the same molecular weight increases strongly with temperature. Kinematic viscosity measurements of select ?-(PIB) _n s gave viscosity indices in excess of 130. The viscosity of ?-(PIB) _n s is mainly determined by the molecular weight of the arms and much less by the number of arms or overall molecular weights. Electron microscopy of ?-(PIB) _n s indicates a compact spherical morphology, a conclusion that was substantiated by radius of gyration measurements. Pour points of ?-(PIB) _n s are ?27°C. Ultrasonic studies gave insight into the mechanism of shear degradation of ?-(PIB) _n s. These characteristics render ?-(PIB) _n s of interest as rheology control additives for motor oils.     

Synthesis and Characterization of Poly(methyl methacrylate‐co‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate)‐b‐polyisobutylene‐b‐poly(methyl methacrylate‐co‐hydroxyethyl Methacrylate) Triblock Copolymers

The synthesis of poly[(methyl methacrylate‐co‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate)‐b‐isobutylene‐b‐(methyl methacrylate‐co‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate)] P(MMA‐co‐HEMA)‐b‐PIB‐b‐P(MMA‐co‐HEMA) triblock copolymers with different HEMA/MMA ratios has been accomplished by the combination of living cationic and anionic polymerizations. P(MMA‐co‐HEMA)‐b‐PIB‐b‐P(MMA‐co‐HEMA) triblock copolymers with different compositions were prepared by a synthetic methodology involving the transformation from living cationic to anionic polymerization. First, 1,1‐diphenylethylene end‐functionalized PIB (DPE‐PIB‐DPE) was prepared by the reaction of living difunctional PIB and 1,4‐bis(1‐phenylethenyl)benzene (PDDPE), followed by the methylation of the resulting diphenyl carbenium ion with dimethylzinc (Zn(CH₃)₂). The DPE ends were quantitatively metalated with n‐butyllithium in tetrahydrofuran, and the resulting macroanion initiated the polymerization of methacrylates yielding triblock copolymers with high blocking efficiency. Microphase separation of the thus prepared triblock copolymers was evidenced by the two glass transitions at ?64 and +120°C observed by differential scanning calorimetry. These new block copolymers exhibit typical stress‐strain behavior of thermoplastic elastomers. Surface characterization of the samples was accomplished by angle‐resolved X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), which revealed that the surface is richer in PIB compared to the bulk. However, a substantial amount of P(MMA‐co‐HEMA) remains at the surface. The presence of hydroxyl functionality at the surface provides an opportunity for further modification.     

Polyisobutylene‐based polyurethanes. VIII. Polyurethanes with ‐O‐S‐PIB‐S‐O‐ soft segments

We describe the synthesis, characterization, and select properties of a novel polyurethane (PU) prepared using a new polyisobutylene diol, HO‐CH₂CH₂‐S‐PIB‐S‐CH₂CH₂‐OH, soft segment and conventional hard segments. The diol is synthesized by terminal functionalization of ally‐telechelic PIB followed by low‐cost thiol‐ene click chemistry. Properties of ‐S‐ containing PU (PIB_S‐PU) containing 72.5% PIB were investigated and compared to similar PUs made with HO‐PIB‐OH (PIB_O‐PU). Hydrolytic resistance was studied by contact with phosphate‐buffered saline, oxidative resistance by immersing in concentrated HNO₃, and metal ion oxidation resistance by exposure to CoCl₂/H₂O₂. Hydrolytic and oxidative resistances of PIB_S‐PU and PIB_O‐PU are similar and superior to a commercial PDMS‐based PU, Elast‐Eon? E2A. According to ¹H NMR spectroscopy the ‐S‐ in PIB_S‐PUs remained unchanged upon treatment with HNO₃, however, oxidized mainly to ‐SO₂‐ by CoCl₂/H₂O_2. Static mechanical properties of PIB_S‐PU and PIB_O‐PU are similar, except creep resistance of PIB_S‐PU is surprisingly superior. The thermal stability of PIB_S‐PUs is ～15 °C higher than that of PIB_O‐PU. FTIR spectroscopy indicates H bonded S atoms (N‐H…S) between soft and hard segments, which noticeably affect properties. DSC and XRD studies suggest random low‐periodicity crystals dispersed within a soft matrix. Energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy–scanning electron microscopy indicates homogeneous distribution of S atoms on PIB_S‐PU surfaces. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2016 , 54, 1119–1131     

Functional polymers and sequential copolymers by phase transfer catalysis. XXVIII. Synthesis and characterization of alternating block copolymers and polyformals of polyisobutylene and aromatic polyether sulfone

Alternating—i.e., -(A-B)_n- type—block copolymers of polyisobutylene (PIB) and aromatic polyether sulfone (PSU) have been prepared by phase transfer catalyzed Williamson polyetherification of α,ω-di(phenol)PIB with α,ω-di(chloroallyl)- or -(bromobenzyl)PSU. Block copolymers of the two prepolymers were also synthesized by the phase transfer catalyzed polyetherification of methylene chloride with α,ω-di(phenol)PIB and α,ω-di(phenol)PSU (bisphenol-A-terminated PSU). This method leads to -[(A)_x-(B)_y]_n- block copolymers with formal linkages between segments. At sufficiently high segment lengths, both types of block copolymers exhibit two distinct T_gs, indicating phase separation into rubbery PIB and glassy PSU domains.     

Confinement effect of polystyrene on the relaxation behavior of polyisobutylene

The dynamic mechanical loss tangent (tan δ) peak of polyisobutylene (PIB) reveals an asymmetrical broad structure with a maximum on the high‐temperature side and a shoulder on the low‐temperature side. By comparing with the literature results, it is suggested that the shoulder and the maximum originate from local segmental motion and Rouse modes, respectively. Blending polystyrene (PS) with PIB has two effects on the relaxation behavior of PIB. One effect is that the maximum and the shoulder are both suppressed, but the maximum is suppressed to a higher extent. After PS forms the continuous phase, the maximum becomes lower than the shoulder, and even almost disappears when the weight ratio of PIB/PS is under 20/80. The other effect is that, before PS forms the continuous phase, the temperature position of the maximum (T_s) and that of the shoulder (T_α) remains constant, but after PS forms the continuous phase, both of them are reduced with decreasing particle size of the PIB phase, in a way similar to nano‐confinement effect on the depression of glass transition temperature. The depression amplitude of T_s is larger than that of T_α. The aforementioned two effects can be interpreted in terms of the limited expansion of free volume of the PIB phase exerted by the PS phase, which affects the maximum to a higher extent than the shoulder because Rouse modes are more sensitive to the free volume than local segments. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys, 2010     

Synthetic approaches towards new polymer systems by the combination of living carbocationic and anionic polymerizations

This study summarizes recent efforts to obtain by combination of living carbocationic and anionic polymerizations block copolymers which are potential precursors for building new well-defined polymeric architectures with microphase separated morphology. Living carbocationic polymerization (LCCP) yields telechelic polyisobutylene (PIB) chains with a variety of useful endgroups, such as tert-chlorine, isopropenyl, primary hydroxyl, tolyl etc. When tolyl-ended PIB was used as precursor for macroinitiator of living anionic polymerization of 2-(tert-butyldimethylsilyloxy)ethyl methacrylate (tBuMe₂SiOEMA), mixtures of homopolymers and block copolymers were formed due to incomplete lithiation of this chain end. In another approach a new functionalization method was developed by end-quenching living PIB chains with 1,1-diphenylethylene (DPE). In the presence of BCl₃ a new telechelic PIB with 2,2-diphenylvinyl (DPV) endgroups was formed. A corresponding DPV model compound was synthesized from 2-chloro-2,4,4-trimethylpentane (TMPCl). Because of steric hindrance less than quantitative lithiation of this material occurred. Controlled deprotection of PtBuMe₂SiOEMA obtained by living anionic polymerization (LAP) was utilized to prepare a precursor network composed of partially deprotected PtBuM₂SiOEMA and hydroxyl-telechelic PIB by using a diisocyanate crosslinker. After network formation deprotection with HCl was completed and a new amphiphilic network (APN) containing PIB and poly(2-hydroxyethyl) methacrylate) (PHEMA) segments crosslinked by urethane linkages was obtained.     

Polyisobutylene-containing block polymers by sequential monomer addition. IV. New triblock thermoplastic elastomers comprising high Tg styrenic glassy segments: Synthesis,characterization and physical properties

New linear triblock thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs) comprising a rubbery polyisobutylene (PIB) midblock flanked by two glassy endblocks of various styrenic polymers have been synthesized by living carbocationic polymerization by sequential monomer addition. First isobutylene (IB) was polymerized by a bifunctional tert-ether (dicumyl methyl ether) initiator in conjunction with TiCl₄ coinitiator in CH₃Cl/methylcyclohexane (MeCHx) (40/60 v/v) solvent mixtures at ?80°C. After the living narrow molecular weight distribution PIB midblock ( = 1.1–1.2) has reached the desired molecular weight, the styrenic monomers together with an electron pair donor (ED) and a proton trap (di-tert-butylpyridine, DtBP) were added to start the blocking of the glassy segments from the living ⊕PIB⊕ chain ends. While p-methylstyrene (pMeSt), p-t-butylstyrene (ptBuSt) and indene (In) gave essentially 100% blocking to the corresponding glassy endblocks, the blocking of 2,4,6-trimethylstyrene (TMeSt) and α-methylstyrene (αMeSt) were ineffective. Uncontrolled initiation by protic impurities was prevented by the use of DtBP. In the simultaneous presence of DtBP and the strong ED N,N-dimethylacetamide (DMA), TPEs with good mechanical properties (10–20 MPa tensile strength, 300–600% elongation) were prepared. The products exhibit a low and a high temperature T_g characteristic of phase separated rubbery and glassy domains. The service temperature of these new TPEs exceeds that of PSt–PIB–PSt triblock copolymers due to the higher T_gs (PpMeSt = 108, PptBuSt = 142 and PIn = 220–240°C) of the outer blocks. The T_g of the glassy blocks can be regulated by copolymerizing two styrene derivatives; a triblock copolymer with outer blocks of poly(pt-butylstyrene-co-indene) showed a single glassy transition T_g = +165°C, i.e., in between that of PptBuSt and PIn. Virgin TPEs have been repeatedly compression molded without deterioration of physical properties. The high melt flow index obtained with a TPE containing PptBuSt endblocks suggests superior processability relative to those with PSt end-blocks. The tensile strength retention at 60°C of the former TPE is far superior to that of a PSt–PIB–PSt triblock of similar composition.     

Living carbocationic polymerization of p-halostyrenes. III. Syntheses and characterization of novel thermoplastic elastomers of isobutylene and p-chlorostyrene

Novel linear and three-arm star radial thermoplastic elastomers (TPE) comprising rubbery polyisobutylene (PIB) center blocks connected to glassy poly(p-chlorostyrene) (PpClSt) outer blocks have been synthesized by sequential monomer addition. For triblock polymer synthesis isobutylene (IB) was added continuously to a bifunctional initiating system (dicumylmethyl ether/TiCl₄) dissolved in CH₃Cl/methylcyclohexane solvent mixture at –80°C. After the living PIB sequence has reached the desired molecular weight p-chlorostyrene (pClSt) was added to produce the PpClSt end blocks. The synthesis conditions for the TPEs were developed with the help of model experiments using the 2-chloro-2,4,4-trimethylpentane (TMPCl)/TiCl₄ initiating system and subsequent PIB-PpClSt diblock syntheses. The triblock and radiol block polymers after solvent extraction exhibited excellent TPE characteristics. Copolymer compositions were determined by ¹H-NMR and UV spectroscopy and further characterization was carried out by GPC, DSC, DMTA, and selective solvent extraction techniques. The TPEs exhibit two T_g's characteristic of glassy PpClSt (129°C) and rubbery PIB (?70°C) segments. Cast TPE films were clear and gave tensile strengths of 1.2-21 MPa with elongations of 460–1500%. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) of a triblock polymer containing ca. 38 wt % PpClSt suggests cylindrical PpClSt domains of 40–70 nm length and 25–35 nm diam embedded in a PIB matrix.     

Living Carbocationic Polymerization. LII. Living Carbocationic Copolymerization of Indene and p-Methylstyrene. 2. Synthesis,Characterization, and Physical Properties of Poly((Indene-co-p-Methylstyrene)-b-Isobutylene-b-(Indene-co-p-Methylstyrene)) Thermoplastic Elastomers

Abstract

Novel thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs) consisting of a central rubbery polyisobutylene (PIB) segment flanked by two glassy outer segments comprising indene (Ind)-co-p-methylstyrene (pMeSt) random copolymers have been prepared. The synthesis was effected by sequential monomer addition in one reactor: The process starts by the biliving homopolymerization of isobutylene (IB) and yields the living dication ⁺PIB⁺; the latter, upon the introduction of Ind/pMeSt mixtures, induces the living copolymerization of these monomers and yields the target TPE P(Ind-co-pMeSt)-b-PIB-b-P(Ind-co-pMeSt) triblock. The length of the rubbery midblock and the composition of the Ind-co-pMeSt random copolymer outer blocks (i.e., the overall composition of the triblocks) can be readily controlled. The glass transition temperature (T_g ) of the outer blocks can be fine-tuned by controlling the relative Ind/ pMeSt composition. The triblocks are excellent TPEs; for example, a P(Ind-co-pMeSt)-b-PIB-b-P(Ind-co-pMeSt) of M _n ≈ 115,000 g/mol containing a PIB midblock of M _n ≈ 70,200 g/mol and glassy copolymer outer blocks of P(Ind-co-pMeSt) [Ind/pMeSt = 41/59 (w/w)] exhibited 23.4 MPa tensile strength and 460% elongation. Tensile strengths and 300% moduli increase with the relative amount of the glassy segment present. Hardness increases with increasing Ind content.     

Can Nonpolar Polyisobutylenes be Measured by Electrospray Ionization Mass Spectrometry? Anion-Attachment Proved to be an Appropriate Method

Polyisobutylenes (PIBs) with different end-groups including chlorine, exo-olefin, hydroxyl, and methyl prepared from aliphatic and aromatic initiators were studied by electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS). Independently of the end-groups, presence or absence of aromatic initiator moiety, these PIB derivatives were capable of forming adduct ions with NO₃ ^– and Cl^– ions, thus allowing the direct characterization of these compounds in the negative ion mode of ESI-MS. To obtain [PIB + NO₃]^– and [PIB + Cl]^– adduct ions with appreciable intensities, addition of polar solvents such as acetone, 2-propanol, or ethanol to the dichloromethane solution of PIBs was necessary. Furthermore, increasing both the polarity (by increasing the acetone content) and the ion-source temperature give rise to enhanced intensities for both [PIB + NO₃]^– and [PIB + Cl]^– ions. Energy-dependent collision induced dissociation studies (CID) revealed that increasing the collision voltages resulted in the shift of the apparent molecular masses to higher ones. CID studies also showed that dissociation of the [PIB + Cl]^– ions requires higher collision energy than that of [PIB + NO₃]^–. In addition, Density Functional Theory calculations were performed to gain insights into the nature of the interactions between the highly non-polar PIB chains and anions NO₃ ^– and Cl^– as well as to determine the zero-point corrected electronic energies for the formation of [PIB + NO₃]^– and [PIB + Cl]^– adduct ions.

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Graphical Abstract ?

     

The preparation and structural characterization of ruthenium carbonyl cluster complexes containing 3,3 dimethylthietane ligands

The reaction of Ru₃(CO)₁₂ with 3,3 dimethylthietane (DMT) at 68°C yielded the new tetraruthenium cluster complex Ru₄(CO)₁₂(-SCH₂CMe₂CH₂)₂,1 in 23% yield. Compound1 was characterized crystallographically and was shown to consist of a puckered square of four ruthenium atoms with two DMT ligands bridging opposite sides of the cluster via the sulfur atoms. Compound1 reacts with CO (98°C/1 atm) to yield the new tetraruthenium complex Ru₄(CO)₁₃ (-SCH₂CMe₂CH₂),2 in 69% yield. Compound2 consists of a butterfly tetrahedral cluster of four ruthenium atoms with a DMT ligand bridging the wing-tip metal atoms. Addition of DMT to2 regenerates1 in 67% yield. Crystal data—1: space group = ,a=17.490(2) Å,b=18.899(3) Å,c=9.781(1) Å, =93.06(1)°, =91.06(1)°, =105.239(9)°,Z=4, 5799 reflections,R=0.026; for2: space group = P2₁/n,a=15.430(3) Å,b=18.285(4) Å,c=9.850(2) Å, =90.05(2)°,Z=4, 2111 reflections,R=0.036.     

Construction of PIB‐b‐PDEAEMA well‐defined amphiphilic diblock copolymers via sequential living carbocationic and RAFT polymerization

A series of well‐defined amphiphilic diblock copolymers consisting of hydrophobic polyisobutylene (PIB) and hydrophilic poly(2‐(diethylamino)ethyl methacrylate) (PDEAEMA) segments was synthesized via the combination of living carbocationic polymerization and reversible addition fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization. Living carbocationic polymerization of isobutylene followed by end‐capping with 1,3‐butadiene was first performed at ?70 °C to give a well‐defined allyl‐Cl‐terminated PIB with a low polydispersity (M_w/M_n =1.29). This end‐functionalized PIB was further converted to a macromolecular chain transfer agent for mediating RAFT block copolymerization of 2‐(diethylamino)ethyl methacrylate at 60 °C in tetrahydrofuran to afford the target well‐defined PIB‐b‐PDEAEMA diblock copolymers with narrow molecular weight distributions (M_w/M_n ≤1.22). The self‐assembly behavior of these amphiphilic diblock copolymers in aqueous media was investigated by fluorescence spectroscopy and transmission electron microscope, and furthermore, their pH‐responsive behavior was studied by UV‐vis and dynamic light scattering. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2014 , 52, 1478–1486     

Ideal tetrafunctional amphiphilic PEG/PDMS conetworks by a dual‐purpose extender/crosslinker. I. Synthesis

The synthesis of a new type of amphiphilic conetwork (APCN) consisting of well‐defined hydrophilic poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) and hydrophobic polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) segments is described. The conetwork is ideal (the lengths of each PEG and PDMS chain segments, respectively, are identical) and tetrafunctional (exactly four chains emanate from each crosslink site). The synthesis of the conetworks was achieved by the use of a novel dual‐purpose extender/crosslinker Y (bis [(dimethylsilyl)oxy]‐[(etoxydimethylsilyl)oxy]phenylsilane, (SiPh(SiH)₂OEt)), in two steps: (1) Synthesis of a new linear random multiblock copolymer (MBC) (AY)_n(BY)_m, where A is the hydrophilic PEG and B is the hydrophobic segment, and (2) Crosslinking the multiblocks by catalytic condensation of the SiOEt groups in the Y units. The extender/crosslinker fulfills two totally different functions: First, it extends two incompatible hydrophilic and hydrophobic prepolymers (PEG and PDMS) to a random MBC, and, subsequently, it cross‐links the multiblocks to the target APCN. The synthesis and characterization of the extender/crosslinker is also presented. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 43: 4953–4964, 2005     

Novel block ionomers II. Synthesis and characterization of polyisobutylene‐based block cationomers

Various novel block cationomers consisting of polyisobutylene (PIB) and poly[2‐(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate] (PDMAEMA) segments were synthesized and characterized. The specific targets were various molecular weight diblocks (PIB‐b‐PDMAEMA⁺) and triblocks (PDMAEMA⁺‐b‐PIB‐b‐PDMAEMA⁺), with the PIB blocks in the DP_n = 50–200 range (number‐average molecular weight = 3,000–9000 g/mol) connected to blocks of PDMAEMA⁺ cations in the DP_n = 5–20 range (where DP is the number‐average degree of polymerization). The overall synthetic strategy for the preparation of these block cationomers had four steps: (1) synthesis by living cationic polymerization of mono‐ and diallyltelechelic polyisobutylenes, (2) end‐group transformation to obtain PIBs fitted with termini capable of mediating the atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) of DMAEMA, (3) ATRP of DMAEMA, and (4) quaternization of PDMAEMA to PDMAEMA ⁺I^? by CH₃I. Scheme 1 shows the microarchitecture and outlines the synthesis route. Kinetic and model experiments provided guidance for developing convenient synthesis methods. The microarchitecture of PIB–PDMAEMA di‐ and triblocks and the corresponding block cationomers were confirmed by ¹H NMR and FTIR spectroscopy and solubility studies. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 40: 3679–3691, 2002     

Nylon 6–polyisobutylene sequential copolymers. II. Synthesis,characterization, and morphology of di-, tri-, and radial block copolymers

Nylon 6–PIB diblock, triblock, and tristar radial block copolymers have been synthesized from telechelic hydroxyl-terminated polyisobutylene, PIB(OH)_n (n = 1,2,3), by conversion of this prepolymer with hexamethylene diisocyanate (HMDI), toluene diisocyanate (TDI), N-chlorocarbonyl diisocyanate (NCCI), and oxalyl chloride (OxCl) and using the resulting materials as macroactivators for anionic caprolactam polymerization. Prepolymers with molecular weights from 6000 to 38,000 have been employed. Derivatization with NCCI and subsequent anionic caprolactam polymerization gave highest yields and blocking efficiencies. The block copolymers have been characterized by molecular weight and composition. In addition to the expected T_g and T_m characteristics of long PIB and nylon 6 segments, DSC studies showed an intermediate glass transition at ca. ?20°C. Transmission electron microscopy of di-, tri-, and radial blocks show increasing segregation and orientation of rubbery/crystalline domains. Tensile strengths and elongations of the block copolymers range from 16.5 to 41 MPa and 15 to 30%, respectively, and stress-strain diagrams show the effect of block architecture on these properties.