Synthesis of novel fluoroalkyl end‐capped oligomers/silica gel polymer hybrids possessing antibacterial activity

New fluoroalkyl end‐capped oligomers/silica gel polymer hybrids‐low‐molecular weight biocide (hibitane) composites were prepared by the reactions of tetraethoxysilane (TEOS) with fluoroalkyl end‐capped N‐(1,1‐dimethyl‐3‐oxobutyl)acrylamide oligomer, N,N‐dimethylacrylamide oligomers, and acrylic acid oligomers in methanol under acidic conditions at room temperature. The presence of hibitane in the composites was clarified by the use of elementary analyses of nitrogen in fluorinated acrylic acid oligomer composite and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) of these fluorinated composites. Thermal stability of fluorinated composites thus obtained were found to increase significantly compared to those of the parent fluorinated oligomers. Thermal stability of fluorinated N,N‐dimethylacrylamide oligomer, acrylic acid oligomer/silica gel polymers hybrid‐hibitane composites decreased compared to those of the corresponding fluorinated oligomers/silica gel polymer hybrids; however, the thermal stability of fluorinated N‐(1,1‐dimethyl‐3‐oxobutylacryl)amide oligomer/silica gel polymer hybrid‐hibitane composite increased significantly compared to that of the corresponding fluorinated oligomer hybrid. The sol methanol solutions of these fluorinated composites were applied to the surface modification of glass to exhibit not only a strong oleophobicity imparted by end‐capped fluoroalkyl groups in oligomers but also a good hydrophilicity on the glass surface. Fluorinated oligomers/silica gel polymer hybrids‐hibitane composites were found to exhibit high anti‐bacterial activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus. Therefore, these fluorinated hibitane composites are suggested to have high potential for new attractive functional materials through not only their excellent surface active property imparted by fluorine and their thermal stability but also through their anti‐bacterial activity. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

A novel synthesis of reactive polymers with pendant halomethyl groups by the polyaddition reaction of bis(epoxide)s with bis(chloroacetoxy)esters or bis(bromoacetoxy)esters

New reactive polymers with pendant halomethyl groups were successfully synthesized by polyaddition reactions of bis(epoxide)s with bis(chloroacetoxy)ester such as 1,4-bis [(chloroacetoxy)methyl]benzene (BCAMB) or 1,4-bis[(bromoacetoxy)methyl]benzene (BBAMB) using quaternary onium salts or crown ether complexes as catalysts. The polyaddition reaction of diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A (DGEBA) with BCAMB proceeded very smoothly with high yields (83–96%) by the addition of quaternary onium salts such as tetrabutylphosphonium bromide (TBPB) or crown ether complexes such as 18-crown-6/KBr as catalysts to produce high molecular weight polymers, although the reaction occurred without any catalyst to give low molecular weight polymer in low yield at 90°C for 48 h. It was also found that the reaction proceeded smoothly in aprotic polar solvents such as N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP) and N,N-dimethylacetamide (DMAc) to produce high molecular weight polymers. Polyaddition reactions of DGEBA or digylcidyl ether of ethylene glycol (DGEEG) with BBAMB, other bis(chloroacetoxy)esters or bis(bromoacetoxy)esters using TBPB in DMAc also proceeded smoothly to give the corresponding polymers. The resulting poly(ether-ester)s contain reactive halomethyl groups as side chains, which were introduced during main chain formation. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Polym Sci A: Polym Chem 35: 3791–3799, 1997     

Careful investigation of the hydrosilylation of olefins at poly(ethylene glycol) chain ends and development of a new silyl hydride to avoid side reactions

Hydrosilylation of olefin groups at poly(ethylene glycol) chain ends catalyzed by Karstedt catalyst often results in undesired side reactions such as olefin isomerization, hydrogenation, and dehydrosilylation. Since unwanted polymers obtained by side reactions deteriorate the quality of end‐functional polymers, maximizing the hydrosilylation efficiency at polymer chain ends becomes crucial. After careful investigation of the factors that govern side reactions under various conditions, it was related that the short lifetime of the unstable Pt catalyst intermediate led to the formation of more side products under the inherently dilute conditions for polymers. Based on these results, two new chelating hydrosilylation reagents, tris(2‐methoxyethoxy)silane (5) and 2,10‐dimethyl‐3,6,9‐trioxa‐2,10‐disilaundecane (6), have been developed. It was demonstrated that the hydrosilylation efficiency at polymer chain ends was significantly increased by employing the internally coordinating hydrosilane 5. In addition, employment of the internally coordinating disilane species 6 in an addition polymerization with 1,5‐hexadiene by hydrosilylation reaction yielded a polymer with high molecular weight (M_n = 9300 g/mol), which was significantly higher than that (M_n = 2600 g/mol) of the corresponding polymer obtained with non‐chelating dihydrosilane, 1,1,3,3‐tetramethyldisiloxane. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2018 , 56, 527–536     

Metal‐template synthesis of cyclic epoxide–amine oligomers: Uncrosslinked epoxide–amine addition polymers, 47

The addition reaction of 2,2‐bis‐[4‐(2,3‐epoxypropoxy)‐phenyl]‐propane (DGEBA) and preformed complexes of metal ions and disecondary diamines led to a large quantity of cyclic epoxide–amine oligomers. As shown by gel permeation chromatographic analysis, cycles of n = 1, 2, and 3 were formed. Functional epoxide end groups of the prepared oligomers were completely missing in the IR and ¹H NMR and ¹³C NMR spectra. In the fast atom bombardment and matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectra, the molecular ions of the n = 1, 2, 3 cycles of DGEBA and N,N′‐dibenzyl‐5‐oxanonanediamine‐1,9 were detected at m/z = 680, 1361, and 2042. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 41: 2047–2052, 2003     

Development of Oligomeric Phthalonitrile Resins for Advanced Composite Applications

Phthalonitrile endcapped oligomers containing aromatic ether and imide linkages have been synthesized and characterized. The phthalonitrile terminated oligomers were prepared in two step (one spot) method by the reaction of an excess amount of pyromellitc dianhydride (PMDA) with aromatic diamines, in a N,N-dimethylacetamide (DMAc)/toluene solvent mixture to form anhydride terminated oligomeric intermediate that was terminated by the reaction with 4-(aminophenoxy) phthaloitrile. The average molecular weights of the prepared oligomers were determined by GPC analysis. The oligomeric phthalonitrile monomers have been converted to network polymers using 4,4'-diaminodiphenyl sulfone (DDS) (5.0 wt %) curing additive at elevated temperatures. Differential scanning calorimetric (DSC) analysis was used to follow the polymerization as the oligomeric phthalonitrile/diamine mixtures and prepolymers. An isothermal rheometric analysis was conducted to determine the complex viscosity of the prepolymers during polymerization reaction. Viscosity increases as a function of time due to crosslinking, which depends upon the concentration and reactivity of the curing agent. The TGA analysis of cured resins showed superior thermal and thermo-oxidative stability. The temperature of 10% weight loss from TGA are in the range of 498-511 °C in N₂ and 448–461 °C in air atmosphere. Char yield at 800 °C is 41.7–50.2% in air and 70.6–83.1% in N_2.     

P and H NMR studies of the transesterification polymerization of polyphosphonate oligomers

Polymeric phosphonate esters are an interesting class of organophosphorus polymers because both the polymer backbone and phosphorus substituents can be modified. These polymers have been prepared by ring-opening polymerizations of cyclic phosphites, stoichiometric polycondensations of dimethyl phosphonate with diols in conjunction with diazomethane treatment and by transesterification of polyphosphonate oligomers. Our initial attempts to prepare high molecular weight polymeric phosphonate esters by the transesterification methods were unsuccessful. Results indicate that the reactions of dimethyl phosphonate with diols to form polyphosphonate oligomers with only methyl phosphonate end groups are plagued by a serious side reaction that forms phosphonic acid end groups. These end groups do not participate in the transesterification reaction and limit the molecular weights of the polymers that can be obtained. The phosphonic acid end groups can be converted into reactive methyl phosphonate end groups by treatment with diazomethane, however diazomethane is explosive and the polymerization is slow. An alternative route for the production of high molecular weight polymers is the transesterification of the 1,12-bis(methyl phosphonato)dodecane, formed by the reaction of excess dimethyl phosphonate and 1,12-dodecanediol, with a Na₂CO₃ promoter. This allows polymers with molecular weights of up to 4.5×10⁴ to be prepared, and no phosphonic acid end groups are observed in these polymers. Thermal analyses of the poly(1,12-dodecamethylene phosphonate) have shown that this polymer has reasonable thermal stability (onset of thermal decomposition at 273 °C). This polymer also undergoes a cold crystallization process at 15 °C similar to that which has been observed in some polyesters, polyamides and elastomers.     

Thermally reversible polymer linkages. II. Linear addition polymers

The stepwise addition polymerization reactions of bisazlactones [bis(2-oxazolin-5-one)s] and a variety of 4,4′-bisphenols have been studied for the purpose of making thermally reversible linear polymers. Thus polymerization occurs at or near room temperature, while depolymerization yielding the two monomer species occurs at elevated temperatures. The synthesis of oligomers in solution without the use of catalyst occurs for the reaction of bisazlactones with bisphenols containing an electron-withdrawing moiety between the two phenol groups of the bisphenol. These oligomers regenerate the bisphenol and bisazlactone monomers upon heating to 165–200°C for several hours under dry box conditions. In many cases, these reactions follow the same patterns of reactivity observed in model studies. This chemistry may be useful for forming degradable or recyclable polymers, where shortchain prepolymers, or macromonomers, endcapped with azlactone and phenol moieties could be used to form high molecular weight polymers that are thermoreversible. Such a reaction system might also be used for preventing reactions of bisphenols and/or bisazlactones at low temperatures, with the desired reaction initiated by formation of the reactive species at elevated temperatures. Envisioned uses in this case might be thermally triggered crosslinking or polymerization reactions, or temperature controlled drug release. © 1993 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.     

Preparation of colloidal stable fluoroalkyl end‐capped oligomer/silver nanocomposites––application to the surface modification of traditional organic polymers with these nanocomposites

A variety of fluoroalkyl end‐capped oligomers/silver nanocomposites were prepared by the reactions of silver ions with poly(methylhydrosiloxane) in the presence of fluoroalkyl end‐capped N,N‐dimethylacrylamide oligomer, N‐(1,1‐dimethyl‐3‐oxobutyl)acrylamide oligomer, N,N‐dimethylacrylamide cooligomer containing poly(dimethylsiloxane) segments in organic media such as toluene and 1,2‐ dichloroethane. These fluorinated oligomers/silver nanocomposites thus obtained were found to exhibit clear plasmon absorption bands around 420 nm related to the formation of silver nanoparticles. In particular, these composites could display narrow plasmon absorptions around 420 nm in toluene by the addition of trioctylamine (TOA). On the other hand, the corresponding non‐fluorinated N‐(1,1‐ dimethyl‐3‐oxobutyl)acrylamide oligomer was not able to afford such a plasmon absorption under similar conditions. These fluorinated oligomers/silver nanocomposites in organic media have been found to be stable for more than 10 days. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and dynamic light scattering (DLS) measurements showed that silver nanoparticles could be effectively encapsulated into fluorinated oligomeric aggregate cores to afford colloidal stable fluorinated oligomers/silver nanocomposites. Fluorinated oligomers/silver nanocomposites were also applied to the surface modification of traditional organic polymers such as polystyrene (PSt) and poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) to exhibit not only a good oleophobicity imparted by fluorine but also a higher surface antibacterial activity related to the silver nanoparticles on their surface. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Degradable polyesters through chain linking for packaging and biomedical applications

The major route to convert lactic acid to high-molecular-weight polymers is ring-opening polymerization of lactide. We have investigated alternative synthesis routes based on oligomerization and chain linking to produce high-molecular-weight thermoplastic degradable polymers cost-effectively. Chain linking also offers new possibilities to prepare degradable polyesters for biomedical applications by extending the range of polymer properties achievable. In this paper, we briefly review different chain linking techniques used in our laboratory. Typically, lactic acid prepolymers with molecular weights of around 3,000-15,000 g x mol(-1) have been prepared by direct polycondensation. Hydroxyl terminated oligomers have been chain linked by using diisocyanate coupling agents, preferably 1,4-butane diisocyanate, forming poly(ester-urethanes). Poly(ester-amides) have been prepared by using 2,2'-bis(2-oxazoline) as coupling agent for carboxylic acid telechelic oligomers. Chain linking by end functionalization has been used in the preparation of poly(ester-anhydrides). In addition, a variety of crosslinked degradable polymers and copolymers have been synthesized through different crosslinking routes, by using methacrylic, itaconic or maleic double bonds or triethoxysilane moieties. A biodegradation test and ecotoxicological evaluation of the degradation products were carried out in addition to hydrolysis tests. Lactic acid based chain linked polymers were biodegradable and the degradation products were harmless. In hydrolysis tests, enzymatic degradation was pronounced in the chain linked poly(epsilon-caprolactone).     

Functionalization of polymers prepared by ATRP using radical addition reactions

Low molecular weight linear poly(methyl acrylate), star and hyperbranched polymers were synthesized using atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) and end‐functionalized using radical addition reactions. By adding allyltri‐n‐butylstannane at the end of the polymerization of poly(methyl acrylate), the polymer was terminated by allyl groups. When at high conversions of the acrylate monomer, allyl alcohol or 1,2‐epoxy‐5‐hexene, monomers which are not polymerizable by ATRP, were added, alcohol and epoxy functionalities respectively were incorporated at the polymer chain end. Functionalization by radical addition reactions was demonstrated to be applicable to multi‐functional polymers such as hyperbranched and star polymers.     

Effect of prepolymer molecular weight on solid state polymerization of poly(bisphenol a carbonate) with nitrogen as a sweep fluid

The effect of prepolymer molecular weight on the solid‐state polymerization (SSP) of poly(bisphenol A carbonate) was investigated using nitrogen (N₂) as a sweep fluid. Prepolymers with different number–average molecular weights, 3800 and 2400 g/mol, were synthesized using melt transesterification. SSP of the two prepolymers then was carried out at reaction temperatures in the range 120–190 °C, with a prepolymer particle size in the range 20–45 μm and a N₂ flow rate of 1600 mL/min. The glass transition temperature (T_g), number–average molecular weight (M_n), and percent crystallinity were measured at various times during each SSP. The phenyl‐to‐phenolic end‐group ratio of the prepolymers and the solid‐state synthesized polymers was determined using 125.76 MHz ¹³C and 500.13 MHz ¹H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. At each reaction temperature, SSP of the higher‐molecular‐weight prepolymer (M_n = 3800 g/mol) always resulted in higher‐molecular‐weight polymers, compared with the polymers synthesized using the lower molecular weight prepolymer (M_n = 2400 g/mol). Both the crystallinity and the lamellar thickness of the polymers synthesized from the lower‐molecular‐weight prepolymer were significantly higher than for those synthesized from the higher‐molecular‐weight prepolymer. Higher crystallinity and lamellar thickness may lower the reaction rate by reducing chain‐end mobility, effectively reducing the rate constant for the reaction of end groups. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 46: 4959–4969, 2008     

Polymerlzatlon of 1-Ethynyl-1-Cyclohexanol by Radiation,Electroinitiation, and Chemical Catalysts

Abstract

Solid-state polymerization of 1-ethynyl-1-cyclohexanol was carried out by irradiation in vacuum and in open air at 20°C. Radiation-induced polymerization was also done in a benzene solution. The products were mixtures of oligomers and polymers. IR, NMR, U V, and x-ray investigations showed the initial formation of trimer, oligomer, and polymer. The polymer fraction increased with an increase of conversion. Electro-initiated polymerization gave soluble and insoluble fractions. The soluble fraction was an ether. However, the results were not reproducible. No polymers were obtained with n-butyllithium and borontrifluoride etherate as chemical catalysts.     

Thermodynamic Parameters of Temperature‐Induced Phase Transition for Brushes onto Nanoparticles: Hydrophilic versus Hydrophobic End‐Groups Functionalization

Quantification of the stimuli‐responsive phase transition in polymers is topical and important for the understanding and development of novel stimuli‐responsive materials. The temperature‐induced phase transition of poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAm) with one thiol end group depends on the confinement—free polymer or polymer brush—on the molecular weight and on the nature of the second end. This paper describes the synthesis of heterotelechelic PNIPAm of different molecular weights with a thiol end group—that specifically binds to gold nanorods and a hydrophilic NIPAm end group by reversible addition‐fragmentation chain‐transfer polymerization. Proton high‐resolution magic angle sample spinning NMR spectra are used as an indicator of the polymer chain conformations. The characteristics of phase transition given by the transition temperature, entropy, and width of transition are obtained by a two‐state model. The dependence of thermodynamic parameters on molecular weight is compared for hydrophilic and hydrophobic end functional‐free polymers and brushes.     

R‐RAFT approach for the polymerization of N‐isopropylacrylamide with a star poly(ε‐caprolactone) core

Reversible addition‐fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization is a more robust and versatile approach than other living free radical polymerization methods, providing a reactive thiocarbonylthio end group. A series of well‐defined star diblock [poly(ε‐caprolactone)‐b‐poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide)]₄ (SPCLNIP) copolymers were synthesized by R‐RAFT polymerization of N‐isopropylacrylamide (NIPAAm) using [PCL‐DDAT]₄ (SPCL‐DDAT) as a star macro‐RAFT agent (DDAT: S‐1‐dodecyl‐S′‐(α, α′‐dimethyl‐α″‐acetic acid) trithiocarbonate). The R‐RAFT polymerization showed a controlled/“living” character, proceeding with pseudo‐first‐order kinetics. All these star polymers with different molecular weights exhibited narrow molecular weight distributions of less than 1.2. The effect of polymerization temperature and molecular weight of the star macro‐RAFT agent on the polymerization kinetics of NIPAAm monomers was also addressed. Hardly any radical–radical coupling by‐products were detected, while linear side products were kept to a minimum by careful control over polymerization conditions. The trithiocarbonate groups were transferred to polymer chain ends by R‐RAFT polymerization, providing potential possibility of further modification by thiocarbonylthio chemistry. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2011     

Investigation of catalyst‐transfer condensation polymerization for synthesis of poly(p‐phenylenevinylene)

Kumada‐Tamao coupling polymerization of 1,4‐dialkoxy‐2‐bromo‐5‐(2‐chloromagnesiovinyl)benzene ( 1 ) and 1,4‐dialkoxy‐2‐(2‐bromovinyl)‐5‐chloromagnesiobenzene ( 2 ) with a Ni catalyst and Suzuki‐Miyaura coupling polymerization of 2‐{2‐[(2,5‐dialkoxy‐4‐iodophenyl)]vinyl}‐4,4,5,5‐tetramethyl‐1,3,2‐dioxaborolane ( 3 ), its bromo counterpart 4 , and 2,5‐dialkoxy‐4‐(2‐bromovinyl)phenylboronic acid ( 5 ) with a Pd initiator were investigated under catalyst‐transfer condensation polymerization conditions for the synthesis of well‐defined poly(p‐phenylenevinylene) (PPV). The Kumada‐Tamao polymerization of vinyl Grignard‐type monomer 1 with Ni(dppp)Cl₂ at room temperature did not proceed, whereas aryl Grignard‐type monomer 2 afforded oligomers of low molecular weight. Matrix‐assisted laser desorption ionization time‐of‐flight (MALDI‐TOF) mass spectra of the polymer obtained from 2 implied that the Grignard end group reacted with tetrahydrofuran to terminate polymerization. On the other hand, Suzuki‐Miyaura polymerization of vinyl boronic acid ester type monomers 3 and 4 and phenylboronic acid type monomer 5 with a Pd initiator and aqueous KOH at ?20 °C to room temperature yielded the corresponding PPV with high molecular weight within a few minutes. However, the molecular weight distribution was broad, and MALDI‐TOF mass spectra showed the peaks of polymers bearing no initiator unit at the chain end, as well as those of polymers with the initiator unit. These results indicated that intermolecular chain transfer of the Pd catalyst occurred. Dehalogenation and disproportionation of the growing end also took place as side reactions. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2014 , 52, 2643‐2653     

End group transformations of RAFT‐generated polymers with bismaleimides: Functional telechelics and modular block copolymers

End group activation of polymers prepared by reversible addition‐fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization was accomplished by conversion of thiocarbonylthio end groups to thiols and subsequent reaction with excess of a bismaleimide. Poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM) was prepared by RAFT, and subsequent aminolysis led to sulfhydryl‐terminated polymers that reacted with an excess of 1,8‐bismaleimidodiethyleneglycol to yield maleimido‐terminated macromolecules. The maleimido end groups allowed near‐quantitative coupling with model low molecular weight thiols or dienes by Michael addition or Diels‐Alder reactions, respectively. Reaction of maleimide‐activated PNIPAM with another thiol‐terminated polymer proved an efficient means of preparing block copolymers by a modular coupling approach. Successful end group functionalization of the well‐defined polymers was confirmed by combination of UV–vis, FTIR, and NMR spectroscopy and gel permeation chromatography. The general strategy proved to be versatile for the preparation of functional telechelics and modular block copolymers from RAFT‐generated (co)polymers. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 46: 5093–5100, 2008     

Polymerization of α-amino acid N-carboxy anhydrides initiated by histamine in N,N-dimethylformamide

The polymerization of α-amino acid N-carboxy anhydrides (NCAs) initiated by 4-aminoethylimidazole (histamine) was studied in order to synthesize poly(amino acids) containing an imidazole nucleus at the end of polymer chain. On the basis of the kinetical measurements, it was found that the rate of polymerization is proportional to the first order in both NCA and initiator concentrations and that the initiation reaction is predominantly caused by the primary amine with the highest basicity in a histamine molecule. Binding of the histamine fragment to the end of polymer chain was confirmed by elementary analysis, nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, and measuring the number-average molecular weight of the resulting polymers. It was thus possible to prepare poly(amino acids) with a pendant histamine. In addition, the lowering of the number-average degree of polymerization of the polymers prepared was observed under the condition that the initial molar ratio of NCA to histamine was larger. It was caused by the reinitiation of polymerization by the imidazole nucleus at the chain end.     

Single electron transfer‐living radical polymerization of methyl methacrylate in fluoroalcohol: Dual control over molecular weight and tacticity

The Cu(0)‐mediated single electron transfer‐living radical polymerization (SET‐LRP) of methyl methacrylate (MMA) using ethyl 2‐bromoisobutyrate (EBiB) as an initiator with Cu(0)/N,N,N′,N′′,N′′‐pentamethyldiethylenetriamine as a catalyst system in 1,1,1,3,3,3‐hexafluoro‐2‐propanol (HFIP) was studied. The polymerization showed some living features: the measured number‐average molecular weight (M_n,GPC) increased with monomer conversion and produced polymers with relatively low polydispersities. The increase of HFIP concentration improved the controllability over the polymerization with increased initiation efficiency and lowered polydispersity values. ¹H NMR, MALDI‐TOF‐MS spectra, and chain extension reaction confirmed that the resultant polymer was end‐capped by EBiB species, and the polymer can be reactivated for chain extension. In contrast, in the cases of dimethyl sulfoxide or N,N‐dimethylformamide as reaction solvent, the polymerizations were uncontrolled. The different effects of the solvents on the polymerization indicated that the mechanism of SET‐LRP differed from that of atom transfer radical polymerization. Moreover, HFIP also facilitated the polymerization with control over stereoregularity of the polymers. Higher concentration of HFIP and lower reaction temperature produced higher syndiotactic ratio. The syndiotactic ratio can be reached to about 0.77 at 1/1.5 (v/v) of MMA/HFIP at ?18 °C. In conclusion, using HFIP as SET‐LRP solvent, the dual control over the molecular weight and tacticity of PMMA was realized. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 47: 6316–6327, 2009     

Extended-chain polyamides: Polyoxamides and polyfumaramides

The synthesis of polyamides from short-chain aliphatic diacids, such as oxalic and fumaric acids, is difficult because of the thermal instability and volatility of the intermediates and side reactions with the polymerization media. A variety of synthetic routes to these polymers has been explored. Several aromatic polyoxamides with high molecular weight were obtained in high yield by an acid chloride vapor-solvent-water interfacial process. Polyoxamides of intermediate molecular weight also were obtained by preparation of oligomers from diamines and oxalic diesters and condensing these oligomers further in a thermal polymerization step. Aromatic polyfumaramides and terephthalamidefumaramides were prepared by modified solution procedures in amide solvents. Another route to polyfumaramides was the synthesis of N,N′-bis(4-aminophenyl) fumaramide and its use as a diamine with diacid chloride. The 1,4-phenylene and benzidine polyfumaramides and oxamides have extended-chain structures in solution in sulfuric, chlorosulfonic, and fluorosulfonic acids. Some of the polymers were soluble enough to yield liquid crystalline solutions. High-tenacity high-modulus fibers from poly(1,4-phenylene fumaramide/terephthalamide)s are described.     

Functionalization of PMMA by a functional “iniferter”: Kinetics of polymerization of MMA using N,N′-diethyl-N,N′-bis(2-hydroxyethyl) thiuram disulfide

α,ω-Dihydroxy-terminated-PMMA was synthesized by the bulk polymerization of methyl methacrylate in the presence of a functional “iniferter,” viz., N,N′-diethyl-N,N′-bis(2-hydroxyethyl)thiuram disulfide (DHTD). The kinetics of the polymerization were studied by determining the polymerization rate as a function of the “iniferter” concentration at 60, 70, 85, and 95°C. Evaluation of the data by a computerized multiple regression analysis led to calculation of the various kinetic parameters and the activation energies of the related phenomena. The maximum observed in the R_p–initiator concentration curve was found to shift to lower initiator concentration as the temperature increased. The formal reaction order with respect to the concentration of the initiator decreased with increasing temperature and concentration of DHTD. The chain transfer constants of DHTD with MMA were calculated from the molecular weights of the resulting polymers. The functionalities of the oligomers were calculated from the elemental analysis of the chain end groups. Thermogravimetric analysis revealed that the polymer chain ends were devoid of unsaturated groups and that the polymer underwent degradation only by random scission.