Synthesis of a novel star liquid crystal polymer using trifunctional initiator via atom transfer radical polymerization

In this paper, two types of three-arm star mesogen-jacketed crystal polymers (MJLCPs) with different core (that is hard core and soft core) were synthesized by 2,5-bis[(4-methoxyphenyl)oxycarbonyl]styrene (MPCS), which was initiated by two different trifunctional initiators 1,3,5-(2′-bromo-2′-methylpropionato)benzene (I_a) and 1,1,1-tris(2-bromoisobutyryloxymethyl)propane (I_b), respectively. Characterization of these polymers by ¹H NMR and GPC clearly supported the formation of a three-arm star-shaped PMPCS. The resulting three-arm star PMPCS possessed narrow molecular weight distribution, and its molecular weight (M_n,NMR) agreed well with the theoretical value, which reveals the quantitative initiation efficiency. The liquid-crystalline behaviors of the two types of three-arm star polymer with different structure were also investigated by differential scanning calorimeter (DSC) and polarized optical microscope (POM). We found that the liquid-crystalline behavior was incorrelated with structure of core but correlated with the length of three-arm star polymer arm. Only each arm of the three-arm star-shaped polymers with a M_n,GPC beyond 0.90 × 10⁴ g/mol could form a liquid crystalline phase,which was found to be stable up to the decomposition temperature of these tri-arm MJLCPs.     

Synthesis of a star-shaped polymer via coordination of ester-linked pyridyl-terminated poly(oxyethylene) with ru(II)

The star-shaped polymer with trans-tetrapyridyl complex of Ru(II) as a core was prepared by complexation of ester-linked pyridyl-terminated poly(oxyethylene) (M̄_n = 2000) with a Ru₅Cl₁₂²⁻ cluster. The unimodal peak of the star-shaped polymer in the gel-permeation chromatogram was shifted to a higher molecular weight region than that of the starting prepolymer. The electron-withdrawing ester substituent in para position of the pyridine ring shifted the metal-to-ligand charge transfer (MLCT) band into the visible region.     

Star-shaped polymers with the fullerene C60 branching center

The anionic methods for the synthesis of homo- and heteroarm (hybrid) star-shaped polymers using fullerene C₆₀ aPre considered. The possibilities of fullerene C₆₀ as an agent of combination of living polymer chains and the procedures of transformation of polymer derivatives of C₆₀ (hexaadducts) into polyfunctional macroinitiators of anionic polymerization of vinyl monomers are shown. The methods for functionalization of polymer fullerene derivatives and their combinations into structures of complex controlled architecture are presented. The structural features and initiating properties of the living polymer fullerene derivatives and their role in the formation of heteroarm star-shaped macromolecules with the controlled number of branches and predetermined molecular weight characteristics of the arms are discussed. The hydrodynamic properties of the star-shaped fullerene-containing polymers are considered. The data on the small-angle neutron scattering study of self-organization of the stars in solutions are presented.     

Design and initiators of living cationic polymerization of vinyl monomers

This paper discusses recent developments in living cationic polymerization of vinyl monomers, specifically focusing on (a) new initiating systems, (b) kinetics and mechanism, and (c) controlled polymer synthesis. The new initiating systems were based on nucleophilic stabilization of the growing carbocations, either by counteranions (as in phosphate/ZnI₂ and Me₃SiI/ZnI₂ systems) or by added Lewis bases (as 2,6-dimethylpyridine for EtAlCl₂). The kinetic study included the determination of the lifetime of living cationic polymers. The controlled polymer synthesis by living cationic processes led to not only end- and pendant-functionalized polymers of narrow molecular weight distributions but also star-shaped polymers and sequence-regulated vinyl ether oligomers with functional groups.     

Synthesis, characterization, and thermal stability of star-shaped poly(ε-caprolactone) with phosphazene core

Hexakis[p-(hydroxylmethyl)phenoxy]cyclotriphosphazene was synthesized by the reaction of hexachlorocyclotriphosphazene with the sodium salt of 4-hydroxybenzaldehyde and subsequent reduction of aldehyde groups to alcohol groups by using sodium borohydride. This compound was employed in initiating the ring-opening polymerization of ε-caprolactone. The resulting polymers were characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), and gel permeation chromatography (GPC). The characterization data indicated the star-shaped PCL with phosphazene core were successfully synthesized with narrow molecular weight distribution and high yields. ¹H-NMR analysis was used to calculate the number-average molecular weight. The calculated result from NMR was closer to the theoretical data than that from GPC analysis. Polarizing optical microscopy (POM) combined with differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) was used to study the crystallization behavior of the star-shaped PCL. The result indicated that the highly branched architecture of star-shaped PCL resulted in interrupted crystallization form and subsequently lower melting temperature. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) carried out on the star-shaped PCL suggested that introduction of phosphazene rings strengthen the thermal stability of the resulting polymers.     

Generalized Universal Molecular Weight Calibration Parameter in GPC

Abstract

In this report we show by experimental and theoretical investigations that the commonly used GPC universal calibration parameter, the intrinsic viscosity multiplied by the weight average molecular weight ([η] M^w) is incorrect. The error which can arise by using [η] M to calculate the molecular weight across the GPC chromatogram for nonuniformly branched polymers [poly(vinyl acetate) and low density polyethylene] and copolymers with compositional drift, could be very large. We also show conclusively that the number average molecular weight M_n is the correct average to use for the universal calibration parameter. We therefore recommend that our general universal Calibration parameter [η] M_n be used for calculating the molecular weight across the chromatogram for all polymer systems (linear and branched homopolymers, copolymers with or without compositional drift and for polymer blends).     

Solution characterization of the novel organometallic polymer poly(ferrocenyldimethylsilane)

A series of four well‐defined poly(ferrocenyldimethylsilane) (PFS) samples spanning a molecular weight range of approximately 10,000–100,000 g mol⁻¹ was synthesized by the living anionic polymerization of dimethyl[1]silaferrocenophane initiated with n‐BuLi. The polymers possessed narrow polydispersities and were used to characterize the solution behavior of PFS in tetrahydrofuran (THF). The weight‐average molecular weights (M_w ) of the polymers were determined by low‐angle laser light scattering (LALLS), conventional gel permeation chromatography (GPC), and GPC equipped with a triple detector (refractive index, light scattering, and viscosity). The molecular weight calculated by conventional GPC, with polystyrene standards, underestimated the true value in comparison with LALLS and GPC with the triple detection system. The Mark–Houwink parameter a for PFS in THF was 0.62 (k = 2.5 × 10⁻⁴), which is indicative of fairly marginal polymer–solvent interactions. The scaling exponent between the radius of gyration and M_w was 0.54, also consistent with marginal polymer–solvent interactions for PFS in THF. © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Polym Sci B: Polym Phys 38: 3032–3041, 2000     

Determination of Polymer Molecular Weight by GPC in the Low Molecular Weight Region

Abstract

In order to determine the molecular weight of a polymer by GPC in the low MW region, a secondary calibration method can be established when polymer standards of the analysed polymer are not available (1). The efficiency of this method has been checked for the system poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA-methyl ethyl ketone (MEK) using polystyrene (PS) standards. When the solvent is poor for one of the polymers, limitations arise due to the secondary separation effects. Furthermore, a GPC method is proposed for the determination of the Dondos-Benoīt constants (A₁ A₂) which must be known for the above-mentioned calibration. This method uses either two or at least one polydisperse polymer sample.     

Evidence for chain transfer in the atom transfer radical polymerization of butyl acrylate

Poly(butyl acrylate) (PBuA) of high molecular weight was synthesized by atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) in ethyl acetate. Whereas for low molecular weight polymers, a linear increase of the number‐average molecular weight, M_n, versus conversion and narrow molecular weight distributions indicate the suppression of side reactions, a downward curvature in the plot of M_n versus conversion was observed for high molecular weights (M_n > 50 000). This effect is explained by chain transfer reactions, leading to branched polymers. GPC measurements with a viscosity detector give evidence for the branched structure of high molecular weight polymers obtained in ATRP. In addition, transfer to solvent or monomer is likely to occur.     

Organometallic polymers. XXV. Preparation of polyvinylferrocene

The synthetic details of solution polymerization in benzene and bulk polymerization of vinylferrocene are reported. In benzene solutions, with azobisisobutyronitrile (AIBN) as the initiator, small yields of low-polydispersity low molecular weight (M?_n ? 5000) polyvinylferrocene is obtained. However, high yields can be obtained by continuous or multiple AIBN addition. Higher molecular weight polymers and binodal polymers can be obtained as the monomer concentration is increased. In bulk polymerizations, yields of 80% can be obtained. The molecular weight increases as temperature decreases from 80 to 60°C in bulk polymerizations, and an increasing amount of insoluble polymer results. The soluble portion is often binodal, the higher molecular weight node consisting of an increasingly branched structure. Lower molecular weight polymer was readily fractionated into narrow fractions from benzene–methanol systems, but higher molecular weight polymer proved impossible to fractionate into narrow fractions due to branching.     

Preparation and characterization of solution processable phthalocyanine‐containing polymers via a combination of RAFT polymerization and post‐polymerization modification techniques

In this work, a benzenedinitrile functionalized monomer, 2‐methyl‐acrylic acid 6‐(3,4‐dicyano‐phenoxy)‐hexyl ester, was successfully polymerized via the reversible addition‐fragmentation chain transfer method. The polymerization behavior conveyed the characteristics of “living”/controlled radical polymerization: the first‐order kinetics, linear increase of number‐average molecular weight with monomer conversion, narrow molecular weight distribution, and successful chain‐extension experiment. The soluble Zn(II) phthalocyanine (Pc)‐containing (ZnPc) polymers were achieved by post‐polymerization modification of the obtained polymers. The Zn(II) phthalocyanine‐functionalized polymer was characterized by FTIR, UV–vis, fluorescence, atomic absorption spectroscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis. The potential application of above ZnPc‐functionalized polymer as electron donor material in bulk heterojunction organic solar cell was studied. The device with ITO/PEDOT:PSS/ZnPc‐Polymer/PC₆₁BM/LiF/Al structure provided a power conversion efficiency of 0.014%, fill factor of 0.24, open circuit voltage (V_oc) of 0.21 V, and short‐circuit current (J_sc) of 0.28 mA/cm². © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2014 , 52, 691–698     

Quantitative synthesis of star-shaped poly(vinyl ether)s with a narrow molecular weight distribution by living cationic polymerization

Star-shaped poly(vinyl ether)s with narrow molecular weight distributions were obtained from polymer-linking reactions of living polymers with a divinyl compound based on living cationic polymerization. For example, living polymers (DP(n) = 50-300) of isobutyl vinyl ether (IBVE), prepared with a cationogen/EtAlCl(2) at 0 degrees C in hexane in the presence of ethyl acetate, were allowed to react with a small amount of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol divinyl ether (DVE-1) to give a star-shaped poly(IBVE) in quantitative yield (100%). In addition, a notable feature of this star-shaped polymer was extremely narrow molecular weight distribution (M(w)/M(n) = 1.1-1.2). The structure of divinyl compounds and reaction conditions for the linking reaction are key factors for achieving quantitative yield of star-shaped polymers. To our best knowledge, this is the first example of selective preparation of star-shaped polymers with narrow molecular weight distribution via one-pot polymer-linking reactions, which has never been achieved in any other mechanisms. The M(w) and the number of arms per molecule ranged from 6 x 10(4) to 30 x 10(4) and 9 to 44, respectively. Thermosensitive star polymers were also synthesized in quantitative yield, and the products were found to undergo sensitive phase separation and physical gelation.     

聚γ-缩水甘油醚氧丙基三甲氧基硅烷的合成与表征

采用双金属氰化络合物催化剂(DMC)催化γ-缩水甘油醚氧丙基三甲氧基硅烷(KH560)开环聚合,合成出结构规整的均聚产物PKH560.通过FTIR2、9Si-NMR1、H-NMR对聚合物的结构进行表征.结果表明,以DMC为催化剂,可以实现KH560的开环聚合,合成出分子量较大的目标产物PKH560.凝胶渗透色谱与多角度激光联用仪(GPC/MALLS)测得该聚合物PKH560的数均分子量大于1×104,分子量分布介于1.10与1.35之间;分析不同聚合时间PKH560的数均分子量与单体转化率之间的关系可知,聚合物的数均分子量Mn与单体转化率呈线性增长关系,聚合物的分子量分布较窄(Mw/Mn=1.10~1.35),表明该聚合反应具有活性聚合的特征.     

pH-effects in the complex formation of polymers I. Interaction of poly(acrylic acid) with poly(acrylamide)

The effects of polymer concentration, molecular weight of poly(acrylic acid) (PAA), addition of sodium, potassium, ammonium and copper (II) chlorides on the complex formation ability of the system PAA-poly(acrylamide) (PAAM) have been studied in aqueous solutions. The critical pH values of the complexation were determined in different conditions. The complex formation ability of PAAM is compared with other non-ionic polymers. It was shown that an increase in polymers concentration, molecular weight of PAA and ionic strength favours the complexation and shifts the critical pH values to the higher pH region. An addition of CuCl₂ to the mixture of two polymers enhances the complexation drastically due to the formation of triple complexes.     

Characterization of Branched Poly (vinyl Acetate) by GPC and Low Angle Laser Light Scattering Photometry

Abstract

Poly (vinyl acetate), PVAC, synthesized by bulk polymerization over a range of initiator concentrations ([AIBN] = 10^?5 to 4 × 10^?3 g-mole/1), temperatures (50°C, 60°C, 70°C, and 80°C) and conversion levels (3 to > 90%) were characterized using low angle laser light scattering (LALLS) photometry to measure M_w of the whole polymers. A number of these samples were characterized using GPC with a differential refractive index (DRI) and LALLS detector to measure the molecular weight distribution (weight fraction versus M_w). M_w for PVAC samples synthesized at suitably low initiator levels at various conversions were found to agree with classical light scattering measurements after Graessley.

An electronic device and a technique which optimizes the sensitivity and the signal-to-noise ratio of the LALLS photometer throughout the molecular weight distribution (MWD) of the GPC chromatogram were devised. These considerably simplify the operation of the LALLS for both offline and online operation with GPC.

Most importantly it was unambiguously shown that the commonly used universal calibration parameter (UCP) with GPC, [n]M_w, is incorrect for polymers with molecules having the same hydrodynamic volume but different molecular weights, i. e., those with only chain branching (LCB), copolymers with compositional drift, and polymer blends. The correct UCP was found to     

Atom transfer radical polymerization of a novel quinoline derivative monomer and fluorescent property

A novel functional monomer incorporating quinoline derivative moiety as the side group, 2-[4-(2,7,7-trimethyl-3-ethoxycarbonyl-5-oxo-1,4,5,6,7,8-hexhydricquinoline)phenoxyl] ethylmethacrylate (HQPEMA), was synthesized and polymerized utilizing atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) technique. 2-(4-Chloromethylphenyl)benzoxazole (CMPB) and CuCl/PMDETA were used as the initiator and catalyst, respectively. GPC, ¹H NMR and fluorescent emission spectroscopy were conducted for characterization of polymers. The linear increase of number average molecular weight (M_n) versus conversion and the relatively narrow molecular weight distribution (M_w/M_n) of the obtained polymers confirmed that ATRP of HQPEMA was carried out successfully. In addition, the fluorescence “structural self-quenching effect” was observed in the DMF solution of the monomer HQPEMA, which bearing both electron-donating chromophore group and electron-accepting CC bond. We also found that the fluorescence properties of the newly obtained polymers containing quinoline chromophore depended on both the monomer concentration in solution and the polarity of solvents. The emission of the polymer film showed that the emission peak maxima of the polymer film shifted 50 nm towards high wavelength with respect to the polymer in DMF solution due to the intermolecular or intramolecular interactions of the polymer chains.     

Comparison of number–average molecular weights calculated by GPC and membrane osmometry

Data are presented which show that when a polymer contains an appreciable amount of low molecular weight species below the diffusion limit of the osmometer membrane, the osmotic molecular weight, M?_n, is generally higher than the M?_n calculated from gel-permeation chromatography (GPC). Experiments were performed on samples of poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) and high-cis polybutadiene polymers. Osmotic data were obtained in the usual manner, while GPC data were obtained using the universal calibration approach. It was found that when all polymer species below approximately 10,000 molecular weight were excluded from the calculation of M?_n by GPC, agreement in M?_n was obtained between membrane osmometry and GPC. The data obtained suggest that the choice of M?_n as measured by membrane osmometry in the calibration of the GPC should not be done casually, as the measured M?_n may not reflect the “true” value of that sample, especially when the polymer sample contains an appreciable amount of low molecular weight material.     

茂基二价钐配合物高效催化己内酯开环聚合

研究了二茂基二价钐配合物(C5H5)2Sm(THF)作为单组分催化剂催化己内脂开环聚合反应,考察了催化剂用量、聚合反应时间、聚合反应温度对己内酯聚合反应的影响。结果表明,配合物(C5H5)2Sm(THF)对己内酯聚合有极高的催化活性且产物的数均分子量较高,当催化剂与单体摩尔比为1：5000时,聚合产率仍可达50.3%,数均分子量可高达32.4万;温度升高,聚合反应的转化率增加,聚合产物数均分子量降低;催化剂用量增加,聚合转化率增加,聚合产物分子量降低;聚合产物的分子量分布较窄;通过凝胶色谱法对聚合产物的分子量及分子量分布进行了表征。     

Improved hydrolytic stability of poly(dl-lactide) with epoxidized soybean oil

The multi-arm star polymer (ESOPLA) was obtained by ring-opening polymerization of dl-lactide using multifunctional epoxidized soybean oil (ESO) as an initiator in the presence of a stannous actuate (SnOct₂) catalyst. Gel permeation chromatography with multi-angle laser light scattering (GPC-MALLS), FTIR, ¹H NMR, thermal analysis and in vitro degradation were used to qualitatively characterize the synthesized polymers. The results revealed that ESO plays an important role in increasing the molecular weight, polymerization rate and monomer conversion rate. Degradation analysis demonstrated that the decrease in molecular weight and the weight loss ratio of the star-shaped ESOPLA were lower than that of linear poly(dl-lactide) (PDLLA). The surface topography of pre- and post-degradation materials was characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). These SEM images showed that the linear PDLLA films underwent water erosion more readily than the star-shaped polymer films.     

Polymerization of Dioxolane by Triethyloxonium Hexafluorophosphate

Abstract

The polymerization of dioxolane by triethyloxonium hexafluorophosphate in methylene chloride has been studied with a view to determine the nature of the active center. NMR studies of solutions of the initiator with low ratios of monomer led to little reaction of the initiator over long times. Analysis of normal reaction mixtures showed that only a small amount of the initiator was consumed during the reaction. The polymer was studied by GPC, UV spectroscopy, and NMR. The polymer appears to consist largely of high molecular weight material with M_w/M_n less than 2, and also low molecular weight material perhaps formed by a different mechanism. The high molecular weight material appears not to have been formed by a simple linear trialkyloxonium ion, from end-group studies, and it is suggested the active center is a secondary oxonium ion on a large cyclic polymer.