A successive route to amphiphilic graft copolymers with a hydrophilic poly(3‐hydroxypropyl methacrylate) backbone and hydrophobic polystyrene side chains

A successive method for preparing novel amphiphilic graft copolymers with a hydrophilic backbone and hydrophobic side chains was developed. An anionic copolymerization of two bifunctional monomers, namely, allyl methacrylate (AMA) and a small amount of glycidyl methacrylate (GMA), was carried out in tetrahydrofuran (THF) with 1,1‐diphenylhexyllithium (DPHL) as the initiator in the presence of LiCl ([LiCl]/[DPHL]₀ = 2), at −50 °C. The copolymer poly(AMA‐co‐GMA) thus obtained possessed a controlled molecular weight and a narrow molecular weight distribution (M_w /M_n = 1.08–1.17). Without termination and polymer separation, a coupling reaction between the epoxy groups of this copolymer and anionic living polystyrene [poly(St)] at −40 °C generated a graft copolymer with a poly(AMA‐co‐GMA) backbone and poly(St) side chains. This graft copolymer was free of its precursors, and its molecular weight as well as its composition could be well controlled. To the completed coupling reaction solution, a THF solution of 9‐borabicyclo[3.3.1]nonane was added, and this was followed by the addition of sodium hydroxide and hydrogen peroxide. This hydroboration changed the AMA units of the backbone to 3‐hydroxypropyl methacrylate, and an amphiphilic graft copolymer with a hydrophilic poly(3‐hydroxypropyl methacrylate) backbone and hydrophobic poly(St) side chains was obtained. © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Polym Sci A: Polym Chem 38: 1195–1202, 2000     

Preparation of thermo-responsive polymer brushes on hydrophilic polymeric beads by surface-initiated atom transfer radical polymerization for a highly resolutive separation of peptides

Poly(N-isopropylacrylamide-co-N-tert-butylacrylamide) [P(IPAAm-co-tBAAm)] brushes were prepared on poly(hydroxy methacrylate) (PHMA) [hydrolyzed poly(glycidyl methacrylate-co-ethylene glycol dimethacrylate)] beads having large pores by surface-initiated atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) and applied to the stationary phases of thermo-responsive chromatography. Optimized amount of copolymer brushes grafted PHMA beads were able to separate peptides and proteins with narrow peaks and a high resolution. The beads were found to have a specific surface area of 43.0 m²/g by nitrogen gas adsorption method. Copolymer brush of P(IPAAm-co-tBAAm) grafted PHMA beads improved the stationary phase of thermo-responsive chromatography for the all-aqueous separation of peptides and proteins.     

Synthesis of poly[(2‐oxo‐1,3‐dioxolane‐4‐yl) methyl methacrylate‐co‐ethyl acrylate] by incorporation of carbon dioxide into epoxide polymer and the miscibility behavior of its blends with poly(methyl methacrylate) or poly(vinyl chloride)

This study was related to the investigation of the chemical fixation of carbon dioxide to a copolymer bearing epoxide and the application of the cyclic carbonate group containing copolymer‐to‐polymer blends. In the synthesis of poly[(2‐oxo‐1,3‐dioxolane‐4‐yl) methyl methacrylate‐co‐ethyl acrylate] [poly(DOMA‐co‐EA)] from poly(glycidyl methacrylate‐co‐ethyl acrylate) [poly(GMA‐co‐EA)] and CO₂, quaternary ammonium salts showed good catalytic activity. The films of poly(DOMA‐co‐EA) with poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) or poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) blends were cast from N,N′‐dimethylformamide solution. The miscibility of the blends of poly(DOMA‐co‐EA) with PMMA or PVC have been investigated both by DSC and visual inspection of the blends. The optical clarity test and DSC analysis showed that poly(DOMA‐co‐EA) containing blends were miscible over the whole composition range. The miscibility behaviors were discussed in terms of Fourier transform infrared spectra and interaction parameters based on the binary interaction model. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Polym Sci A: Polym Chem 39: 1472–1480, 2001     

Functionalization of Styrene-Olefin Block Copolymers by Melt Radical Grafting of Glycidyl Methacrylate and Reactive Blending with PET

Blocks copolymers styrene-b-(ethylene-co-butylene)-b-styrene (SEBS) and styrene-b-(ethylene-co-propylene) (SEP, SEPSEP), with different styrene content and number of blocks in the chain, were functionalized with glycidyl methacrylate (GMA) by melt radical grafting. The influence of monomer concentration, radical initiator and copolymer structure on the grafting degree was examined. The grafted copolymers were characterised by DSC and capillary rheometry. Blends of PET with functionalized SEBS and SEPSEP showed a marked improvement of phase morphology and elongation at break when compared to blends with unfunctionalized copolymers.     

Synthesis and characterization of chitosan-g-glycidyl methacrylate with methyl methacrylate

In this work, the properties of chitosan (CTS) and synthetic polymers are combined to produce a novel hybrid synthetic-natural material. Poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) and glycidyl methacrylate (GMA) are reacted with CTS to produce a versatile material for dental filler applications. This process involves the synthesis of CTS-g-GMA that is further reacted with PMMA [(CTS-g-GMA)-g-PMMA]. The chemical structure and physical properties of the resulting materials is analyzed by FTIR, DSC, SEM, NMR and XRD. The results revealed the evidence of strong intermolecular interactions between CTS-g-GMA and PMMA by covalent bonding formation. Thermal stability of the final copolymer [(CTS-g-GMA)-g-PMMA] is higher than its precursor, CTS-g-GMA. Presented results show a simple route to produce natural-synthetic polymers for potentially useful applications.     

Spectral and chemical monitoring of cyclo-addition reaction of CO2 with poly(MMA-co-GMA) copolymers

This paper deals with the monitoring cyclo-addition of CO₂ to methyl methacrylate（MMA）-glycidyl methacrylate （GMA） copolymers using spectral（¹H-NMR and FTIR） and chemical（elemental analysis and titration） methods.Thus, poly（MMA-co-GMA）,was first prepared via solution polymerization.The copolymer was then treated with CO₂ gas flow in the presence of cetyltrimethyl ammoniumbromide as a catalyst.In terms of the carbonation reaction time,the terpolymer poly（MMA-co-GMA-co-2-oxo-l,3-dioxolane-4-yl-methyl methacrylate） was prepared in various yield of CO₂ fixation （>90%）.The peak intensity changes in the ¹H-NMR and FTIR spectra provided excellent demonstrative techniques to monitor the carbonation reaction progression.In a comparative analytical viewpoint,the NMR and elemental analysis were recognized to be the most accurate ways to follow the cyclo-addition reaction progression.However,titration was recognized to be the most preferred method,because it is a very inexpensive,facile and available method with a reasonable costaccuracy balance.     

Streptavidin-modified magnetic poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate-co-glycidyl methacrylate) microspheres for selective isolation of bacterial DNA

The dispersion copolymerization of 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) with glycidyl methacrylate (GMA) in a toluene/2-methylpropan-1-ol mixture in the presence of Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles coated with oleic acid, produced monodisperse magnetic poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate-co-glycidyl methacrylate) (P(HEMA-GMA)) microspheres. Oxirane groups of the microspheres were ammonolyzed and then functionalized with streptavidin using cyanuric chloride. The final product contained 0.67 mg of streptavidin per gram of wet magnetic P(HEMA-GMA) microspheres. The microspheres were characterized by elemental analysis, scanning electron microscopy, IR, UV–VIS and atomic absorption spectroscopy. The streptavidin-modified magnetic P(HEMA-GMA) microspheres were used for immobilization of biotinylated DNA and subsequent selective isolation of target DNA from complex samples using DNA/DNA hybridisation. Based on the highly selective recognition of streptavidin with a biotin-labeled DNA probe, DNA sensor was constructed for magnetic separation of DNA from real samples.     

Helix-sense-selective copolymerization of phenyl[bis(2-pyridyl)]methyl methacrylate,diphenyl(2-pyridyl)methyl methacrylate and triphenylmethyl methacrylate with chiral anionic initiators

Optically active poly[triphenylmethyl methacrylate-co-phenyl[bis(2-pyridyl)]methyl methacrylate] (poly[TrMA-co-PB2PyMA], poly[diphenyl(2-pyridyl)methyl methacrylate-co-phenyl[bis(2-pyridyl)]methyl methacrylate] (poly[D2PyMA-co-PB2PyMA]), and poly[triphenylmethyl methacrylate-co-diphenyl(2-pyridyl)-methyl methacrylate] (poly[TrMA-co-D2PyMA]) were prepared by helix-sense-selective copolymerization with complexes of organolithium with (−)-sparteine [(−)Sp],(S, S)-(+)- and (R, R)-(−)-2,3-dimethoxy-1,4-bis(dimethylamino)butane [(+)- and (−)DDB], and (S)-(+)-2-(1-pyrrolidinylmethyl)pyridine [(+)PMP] as anionic initiators in toluene at low temperature. The copolymers obtained with (−)Sp and (+)DDB or (−)DDB complexes of organolithium showed low optical activity, but to [(+)PMP] complex with N,N′-diphenyleneamine monolithium amide [(+)PMP–DPEDA–Li)] was effective in synthesizing copolymers of high optical rotation ([α] about +320 to + 370°) which were comparable to those of corresponding homopolymers with one-handed helical structure. The optical rotations of poly[TrMA-co-PB2PyMA] and poly[TrMA-co-D2PyMA] were much more stable than that of poly(D2PyMA) or poly(PB2PyMA) in a solution of CHCl₃–2,2,2-trifluoroethanol (10 : 1, v/v) at 25°C, but optical rotation of poly[D2PyMA-co-PB2PyMA] slowly decreased with time in the same conditions. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Polym Sci A: Polym Chem 36: 2127–2133, 1998     

Synthesis and properties of poly(isobutyl methacrylate‐co‐butanediol dimethacrylate‐co‐methacryl polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane) nanocomposites

Poly[isobutyl methacrylate‐co‐butanediol dimethacrylate‐co‐3‐methacrylylpropylheptaisobutyl‐T8‐polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane] [P(iBMA‐co‐BDMA‐co‐MA‐POSS)] nanocomposites with different crosslink densities and different polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (MA‐POSS) percentages (5, 10, 15, 20, and 30 wt %) were synthesized by radical‐initiated terpolymerization. Linear [P(iBMA‐co‐MA‐POSS)] copolymers were also prepared. The viscoelastic properties and morphologies were studied by dynamic mechanical thermal analysis, confocal microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The viscoelastic properties depended on the crosslink density. The dependence of viscoelastic properties on MA‐POSS content at a low BDMA loading (1 wt %) was similar to that of linear P(iBMA‐co‐MA‐POSS) copolymers. P(iBMA‐co‐1 wt % BDMA‐co‐10 wt % MA‐POSS) exhibited the highest dynamic storage modulus (E′) values in the rubbery region of this series. The 30 wt % MA‐POSS nanocomposites with 1 wt % BDMA exhibited the lowest E′. However, the E′ values in the rubbery region for P(iBMA‐co‐3 wt % BDMA‐co‐MA‐POSS) nanocomposites with 15 and 30 wt % MA‐POSS were higher than those of the parent P(iBMA‐co‐3 wt % BDMA) resin. MA‐POSS raised the E′ values of all P(iBMA‐co‐ 5 wt % BDMA‐co‐MA‐POSS) nanocomposites in the rubbery region above those of P(iBMA‐co‐5 wt % BDMA), but MA‐POSS loadings < 15 wt % had little influence on glass‐transition temperatures (T_g's) and slightly reduced T_g values with 20 or 30 wt % POSS. Heating history had little influence on viscoelastic properties. No POSS aggregates were observed for the P(iBMA‐co‐1 wt % BDMA‐co‐MA‐POSS) nanocomposites by TEM. POSS‐rich particles with diameters of several micrometers were present in the nanocomposites with 3 or 5 wt % BDMA. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 43: 355–372, 2005     

Environmental Degradation of Microbial Polyhydroxyalkanoates and Oil Palm-Based Composites

This paper investigates the degradation of polyhydroxyalkanoates and its biofiber composites in both soil and lake environment. Time-dependent changes in the weight loss of films were monitored. The rate of degradation of poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) [P(3HB)], poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-4-hydroxybutyrate) [P(3HB-co-23?mol% 4HB)] and poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate-co-4-hydroxybutyrate) [P(3HB-co-9?mol% 3HV-co-19?mol% 4HB)] were investigated. The rate of degradation in the lake is higher compared to that in the soil. The highest rate of degradation in lake environment (15.6?% w/w week^?1) was observed with P(3HB-co-3HV-co-4HB) terpolymer. Additionally, the rate of degradation of poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) [P(3HB-co-38?mol% 3HV)] was compared to PHBV biofiber composites containing compatibilizers and empty fruit bunch (EFB). Here, composites with 30?% EFB displayed the highest rate of degradation both in the lake (25.6?% w/w week^?1) and soil (15.6?% w/w week^?1) environment.     

Stabilization of phospholipid polymer surface with three-dimensional nanometer-scaled structure for highly sensitive immunoassay

A phospholipid polymer platform and an antibody as a bioaffinity ligand were used to construct a biointerface for a highly sensitive immunoassay. The platform had a nanometer-scaled particle deposition surface and it was constructed with poly[2-methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine (MPC)-co-n-butyl methacrylate (BMA)-co-p-nitrophenyloxycarbonyl poly(ethylene glycol) methacrylate (MEONP)] (PMBN) by an electrospray deposition (ESD) method. The PMBN surface could immobilize specific antibodies through covalent chemical bonding by the reaction between MEONP units and amino groups in the antibody. In addition, the PMBN could prevent nonspecific protein adsorption from an analyte. However, the nanometer-scaled structure of the PMBN lost its shape after immersion in an aqueous medium. To stabilize the nanometer-scaled structure in an aqueous medium, the PMBN was cross-linked with 1,4-butylenediamine and then heat-treated. These treatments effectively improved the stability of the nanometer-scaled structure, that is, the structure had a high porosity even after immersing in an aqueous medium. The stabilization affected the specific signal in the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), that is, the specific signal in ELISA was enhanced.     

Synthesis and self-assembly behavior of thermoresponsive poly(oligo(ethylene glycol) methyl ether methacrylate)-POSS with tunable lower critical solution temperature

This article reports on the synthesis of a novel amphiphilic polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS) end-capped poly(2-(2-methoxyethoxy)ethyl methacrylate)-co-oligo(ethylene glycol) methacrylate) (POSS-P(MEO₂MA-co-OEGMA)). These thermoresponsive organic–inorganic hybrid polymers exhibit critical phase transition temperature in water, which can be finely tuned by changing the feed ratio of OEGMA and MEO₂MA. The lower critical solution temperature (LCST) of POSS-P(MEO₂MA-co-OEGMA) increases from 31 to 59 °C with the increasing of OEGMA content. Dynamic light scattering (DLS) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) studies show that these polymers can self-assemble into spherical micelles with the thermosensitive block into the corona and the POSS forming the core, and larger aggregates are formed when the temperature values are above their LCSTs. These thermoresponsive polymers POSS-P(MEO₂MA-co-OEGMA) with self-assembly behavior and tunable tempetature-responsive property have the potential applications in material science and biotechnology.     

Thermal and electrochemical characteristics of plasticized polymer electrolytes based on poly(acrylonitrile-co-methyl methacrylate)

The thermal and electrochemical characteristics of plasticized polymer electrolytes composed of poly(acrylonitrile-co-methyl methacrylate) [P(AN-co-MMA)], a plasticizer [a mixture of ethylene carbonate and propylene carbonate], and LiCF₃SO₃ were investigated. The incorporation of a MMA unit into the matrix polymer was effective for an increase in the compatibility between the matrix polymer and the plasticizer. The comparative investigation of the interfacial resistance of the Li/polymer electrolyte/Li cell for the PAN-based and the P(AN-co-MMA)-based polymer electrolytes showed that the MMA unit could improve the stability of the polymer electrolyte toward the Li electrode, which is probably due to the enhanced adhesion of the polymer electrolyte to the Li electrode. Received: 14 July 1997 / Accepted: 14 May 1998     

Synthesis and characterization of nano-sized poly[(butyl acrylate)-co-(methyl methacrylate)-co-(methacrylic acid)] latex via differential microemulsion polymerization

Poly[(butyl acrylate)-co-(methyl methacrylate)-co-(methacrylic acid)] latex particles were synthesized via differential microemulsion polymerization. The effect of initiator type and methacrylic acid incorporation were investigated. The initiator type could significantly affect the particle size and the molecular weight of the resulting polymer and 2,2′-azobisisobutyronitrile produced the smallest particle size. The incorporation of methyl methacrylate (MAA) in the copolymer and terpolymer structures was confirmed by FTIR and NMR spectroscopy, and DSC in that the carbonyl peak of carboxylic acid at 1,700 cm^?1 in the FTIR spectrum was observed when the MAA amount was high enough, the peak areas at 0.9 ppm in the NMR spectrum confirmed the participation of MAA from the increasing proton signals and the glass transition temperature and polarity of the polymer increased when the MAA amount was increased. This supported that the MAA was incorporated into the polymer chains. MAA was found to produce a vitrification effect during the polymerization.     

ABA triblock copolymers with pendant hydroxyl groups prepared by controlled cationic polymerization and their use as delivery carrier for paclitaxel

To improve the hydrophilicity of poly(styrene-b-isobutylene-b-styrene) (SIBS), this study focuses on the synthesis of novel functional ABA triblock copolymer thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs) with polyisobutylene (PIB) as rubbery segments. The precursor poly{(styrene-co-4-[2-(tert-butyldimethylsiloxy) ethyl]styrene)-b-isobutylene-b-(styrene-co-4-[2-(tert-butyldimethylsiloxy)ethyl]styrene)}(P(St-co-TBDMES)-PIB-P(St-co-TBDMES)) triblock copolymer was first synthesized by living sequential cationic copolymerization of isobutylene (IB) with styrene (St) and 4-[2-(tert-butyldimethylsiloxy) ethyl]styrene (TBDMES) using 1,4-di(2-chloro-2-propyl)benzene (DiCumCl)/titanium tetrachloride (TiCl₄)/2,6-di-tert-butylpyridine (DtBP) as the initiating system. Then, P(St-co-TBDMES)-PIB-P(St-co-TBDMES) was hydrolyzed in the presence of tetra-butylammonium fluoride to yield poly{[styrene-co-4-(2-hydroxyethyl)styrene]-bisobutylene-b-[styrene-co-4-(2-hydroxyethyl)styrene]} (P(St-co-HOES)-PIB-P(St-co-HOES)) with pendant hydroxyl groups. P(St-co-HOES)-PIB-P(St-co-HOES) used as the paclitaxel carrier was also investigated in this study. Comparing with SIBS, P(St-co-HOES)-PIB-P(St-co-HOES) has exhibited better compatibility with paclitaxel and higher release rate.     

Modification of hydrophilic poly(vinyl alcohol) film via blending with hydrophobic poly(butyl acrylate-co-methyl methacrylate)

A series of poly(vinyl alcohol)/poly(butyl acrylate-co-methyl methacrylate) [PVA/P(BA-co-MMA)] blend films with different P(BA-co-MMA) content were prepared by the solution casting method. Surface morphologies of the PVA/P(BA-co-MMA) blend films were studied by scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy. Thermal, mechanical, and chemical properties of PVA/P(BA-co-MMA) blend films were investigated by differential scanning calorimeter, thermogravimetric analysis, tensile tests, and surface contact angle tests. It was revealed that the introduction of P(BA-co-MMA) could affect the properties of the PVA films. The results also showed that, when P(BA-co-MMA) mole content is 3 %, the tensile strength and the surface contact angle of the polymer blend film are 20.4 MPa and 43.5°, respectively, suggesting that the polymer blend film holds both a better mechanical property and a better chemical property.     

Synthesis and characterization of Fe(II)-coordinated PS-b-P[NIPAM-co-(VBC-Fe-DMAP)] block copolymers

In this work,a new type of block polymers,polystyrene-b-poly[(N-isopropyl acrylamide)-co-(vinyl benzyl chloride)](PS-b-P(NIPAM-co-VBC)),was prepared via reversible addition fragmentation transfer polymerization,then pentacyano(4-(dimethylamino pyridine))ferrate(Fe-DMAP) was attached to VBC units through a quaternization process.The Fe(Ⅱ)-coordinated PS-b-P[NIPAM-co-(VBC-Fe-DMAP)]block copolymers were characterized by ~1H-NMR,FT-IR and TGA.The self-assembly behavior of the block copolymers was also investigated and the micelle morphology was characterized by TEM.It was found that the PS-b-P(NIPAM-co-VBC) block polymer and Fe-coordinated block copolymer could both form spherical micelles in DMF/MeOH mixed solvent.     

SYNTHESIS OF POLY(METHYL METHACRYLATE)-SILICA NANO-COMPOSITE

ABSTRACT

Transparent organic/pre-ceramic composite films of poly(methyl methacrylate) [PMMA] and perhydropolysilazane [PHPS] were synthesized by blending poly(methyl methacrylate-co-2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) [P(MMA-co-HEMA)] random copolymers and PHPS. In the blend films, P(MMA-graft-PHPS) graft copolymers were formed, PMMA and PHPS were microscopically phase-separated in the solid state. Morphology of the microphase separation was investigated by transmission electron microscopy by changing HEMA content of the random copolymers and blend ratio of PHPS to HEMA. To convert PHPS to silica glass, the blend films were calcinated at 100°C. The morphology of the microphase separation of the films was not changed by the calcinations; the calcinated films were transparent. When the molar content of HEMA of P(MMA-co-HEMA) and the molar content of PHPS to HEMA in feed were 14.5% and 150%, respectively, the morphology was well ordered lamellae of PMMA and silica.     

Adhesion and growth of goat mammary epithelial cells on novel polyelectrolyte complex

Alginate/poly(acryloxyethyl-trimethylammonium chloride-co-2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) [poly(Q-co-H)] microcapsules were prepared by ionic gelation (Ca²⁺) for adhesion and growth of goat mammary epithelial cell culture. In the procedure of microcapsule formation, alginate was first pumped into a CaCl₂ solution and then transferred into a poly(Q-co-H). The poly(Q-co-H) was prepared by free-radical polymerization in aqueous solution at 60 °C using potassium persulfate as initiator. The microcapsules obtained were sterilized using gamma radiation according to International Standards Organization (ISO)/TR 13409. Scanning electron microscopy studies indicated the high porosity and rough surface marked by large wrinkles of the microcapsule surface, and the diameter of the microcapsule was approximately 497 μm, and diameters ranking 480–515 μm were obtained. Optical michrography shows the epithelial morphology acquired by goat epithelial mammary cells (GMEC) on poly(Q-co-H)/NaAlg microcapsule surface after 8 h of culture.     

Polyolefin-functionalized graphene oxide and its GO/HDPE nanocomposite with excellent mechanical properties

An effective strategy for the polyolefin-functionalized graphene oxide (fGO) using two-step methods has been reported for GO/HDPE nanocomposite with excellent mechanical properties.