Diblock copolymers based on allyl methacrylate: Synthesis,characterization, and chemical modification

Different diblock copolymers constituted by one segment of a monomer supporting a reactive functional group, like allyl methacrylate (AMA), were synthesized by atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP). Bromo‐terminated polymers, like polystyrene (PS), poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), and poly(butyl acrylate) (PBA) were employed as macroinitiators to form the other blocks. Copolymerizations were carried out using copper chloride with N,N,N′,N″,N″‐pentamethyldiethylenetriamine (PMDETA) as the catalyst system in benzonitrile solution at 70 °C. At the early stage, the ATRP copolymerizations yielded well‐defined linear block copolymers. However, with the polymerization progress a change in the macromolecular architecture takes place due to the secondary reactions caused by the allylic groups, passing to a branched and/or star‐shaped structure until finally yielding gel at monomer conversion around 40% or higher. The block copolymers were characterized by means of size exclusion chromatography (SEC), ¹H NMR spectroscopy, and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). In addition, one of these copolymers, specifically P(BA‐b‐AMA), was satisfactorily modified through osmylation reaction to obtain the subsequent amphiphilic diblock copolymer of P(BA‐b‐DHPMA), where DHPMA is 2,3‐dihydroxypropyl methacrylate; demonstrating the feasibility of side‐chain modification of the functional obtained copolymers. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 45: 3538–3549, 2007     

Low molar mass poly(styrene-co-acrylic acid) amphiphilic block copolymers: synthesis and characterization

Low molar mass (∼ 4000) di- and triblock copolymers of styrene and tert-butyl acrylate were synthesized by atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) in bulk and solution conditions. A CuBr/N, N,N′,N″,N″-pentamethyldiethylenetriamine (PMDETA) catalyst system in conjunction with an alkyl-halide initiator were used to control the synthesis of the polystyrene macroinitiator and the subsequent copolymerization with tert-butyl acrylate. Hydrolysis of the tert-butyl acrylate blocks to acrylic acid blocks in the presence of trifluoroacetic acid resulted in the formation of an amphiphilic block copolymer. Size exclusion chromatography (SEC) and matrix assisted laser desorption ionization - time of flight - mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF-MS) were used to determine the molar mass and molar mass distribution of the polystyrene macroinitiators and the block copolymers. ¹H NMR was used to characterize the polystyrene macroinitiators and the block copolymers, and to confirm hydrolysis of the poly(tert-butyl acrylate) blocks to poly(acrylic acid).     

Preparation of PTBA‐PAA‐PMMA Compatibilizer for PET‐PMMA Blends by Atom Transfer Radical Polymerization

The synthesis of diblock copolymer of tert butyl acrylate and methyl methacrylate (PTBA‐b‐PMMA) was prepared by Atom Transfer Radical Polymerization (ATRP). At the outset, macroinitiator of tert butyl acrylate (TBA) was prepared by using N,N,N′,N″,N″‐pentamethyldiethylenetriamine (PMDETA) ligand, Cuprous Bromide (CuBr) catalyst, and ethyl 2‐bromo isobutyrate (2‐EiBBr) initiator. Immediately after the intake of the utmost TBA in the macroinitiator, the second monomer, methyl methacrylate (MMA) was added to the reaction medium, for further polymerization. In these experiments the compositions of the monomers were varied, although the concentrations of ligand, catalyst and the initiator were kept constant. Subsequently, the diblock copolymers were hydrolyzed, under acidic conditions, using HCl catalyst, to obtain an amphiphilic copolymer. These block copolymers were characterized by NMR, IR, GPC, and DSC techniques. These copolymers will be used in, powder coatings, pigment dispersions, and as compatibilizers in polymer blends.     

Synthesis,characterization, and property of amphiphilic fluorinated abc‐type triblock copolymers

Novel amphiphilic fluorinated ABC‐type triblock copolymers composed of hydrophilic poly(ethylene oxide) monomethyl ether (MeOPEO), hydrophobic polystyrene (PSt), and hydrophobic/lipophobic poly(perfluorohexylethyl acrylate) (PFHEA) were synthesized by atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) using N,N,N′,N″,N″‐pentamethyldiethylenetriamine (PMDETA)/CuBr as a catalyst system. The bromide‐terminated diblock copolymers poly(ethylene oxide)‐block‐polystyrene (MeOPEO‐b‐PSt‐Br) were prepared by the ATRP of styrene initiated with the macroinitiator MeOPEO‐Br, which was obtained by the esterification of poly(ethylene oxide) monomethyl ether (MeOPEO) with 2‐bromoisobutyryl bromide. A fluorinated block of poly(perfluorohexylethyl acrylate) (PFHEA) was then introduced into the diblock copolymer by a second ATRP process to synthesize a novel ABC‐type triblock copolymer, poly(ethylene oxide)‐block‐polystyrene‐block‐poly(perfluorohexylethyl acrylate) (MeOPEO‐b‐PSt‐b‐PFHEA). These block copolymers were characterized by means of proton nuclear magnetic resonance (¹H NMR) and gel permeation chromatography (GPC). Water contact angle measurements revealed that the polymeric coating of the triblock copolymer (MeOPEO‐b‐PSt‐b‐PFHEA) shows more hydrophobic than that of the corresponding diblock copolymer (MeOPEO‐b‐PSt). Bovine serum albumin (BSA) was used as a model protein to evaluate the protein adsorption property and the triblock copolymer coating posseses excellent protein‐resistant character prior to the corresponding diblock copolymer and polydimethylsiloxane. These amphiphilic fluoropolymers can expect to have potential applications for antifouling coatings and antifouling membranes. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2011     

New Segmented Copolymers by Combination of Atom Transfer Radical Polymerization and Ring Opening Polymerization

Atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) and ring opening polymerization (ROP) were combined to synthesize various polymers with various structures and composition. Poly(ε-caprolactone)-b-poly(n-octadecyl methacrylate), PCL-PODMA, was prepared using both sequential and simultaneous polymerization methods. Kinetic studies on the simultaneous process were performed to adjust the rate of both polymerizations. The influence of tin(II) 2-ethylhexanoate on ATRP was investigated, which led to development of new initiation methods for ATRP, i.e., activators (re)generated by electron transfer (AGET and ARGET). Additionally, block copolymers with two crystalizable blocks, poly(ε-caprolactone)-b-poly(n-butyl acrylate)-b-poly(n-octadecyl methacrylate), PCL-PBA-PODMA, block copolymers for potential surfactant applications poly(ε-caprolactone)-b-poly(n-octadecyl methacrylate-co-dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate), PCL-P(ODMA-co-DMAEMA), and a macromolecular brush, poly(hydroxyethyl methacrylate)-graft-poly(ε-caprolactone), PHEMA-graft-PCL, were prepared using combination of ATRP and ROP.     

Design and synthesis of fluorescent shell functionalized polymer micelles for biomedical application

pH‐sensitive polymers can be defined as polyelectrolytes that include in their structure weak acidic or basic groups that either accept or release protons in response to a change in the environmental pH. This work summarizes the design, synthesis, and potential applications of pH‐responsive fluorescent copolymers in the biomedical field. This was achieved using atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) of tert‐butyl acrylate using a CuBr/N,N,N′,N″N″‐pentamethyldiethylenetriamine catalyst system in conjunction with an alkyl bromide as the initiator. Well‐defined macroinitiators based on poly(tert‐butyl acrylate) with narrow molecular weight distributions were obtained by the addition of an appropriate solvent system in order to create a homogeneous catalytic system. The addition of n‐butyl acrylate as a second building block in order to create well‐defined poly(tert‐butyl acrylate)‐b‐poly(n‐butyl acrylate) block copolymers (PtBA‐b‐PnBA) followed by chemical modification of the block copolymers and functionalization with an appropriate fluorescent compound are the basis for the preparation of well‐defined fluorescent pH‐sensitive micelles. Thus, prepared water soluble nanosized pH‐sensitive micelles consisting of hydrophobic poly(n‐butyl acrylate) core and hydrophilic polyacrylic acid shell decorated with an appropriate fluorescent compound determined their potential applications of these systems in the field of biomedicine as biosensors, controlled drug delivery systems, and so on. In this respect, the cell viability and internalization of the polymer micelles were studied.     

Preparation of comb‐like copolymers with amphiphilic poly(ethylene oxide)‐b‐polystyrene graft chains by combination of “graft from” and “graft onto” strategies

A novel method for preparation the comb‐like copolymers with amphihilic poly(ethylene oxide)‐block‐poly(styrene) (PEO‐b‐PS) graft chains by “graft from” and “graft onto” strategies were reported. The ring‐opening copolymerization of ethylene oxide (EO) and ethoxyethyl glycidyl ether (EEGE) was carried out first using α‐methoxyl‐ω‐hydroxyl‐poly(ethylene oxide) (mPEO) and diphenylmethyl potassium (DPMK) as coinitiation system, then the EEGE units on resulting linear copolymer mPEO‐b‐Poly(EO‐co‐EEGE) were hydrolyzed and the recovered hydroxyl groups were reacted with 2‐bromoisobutyryl bromide. The obtained macroinitiator mPEO‐b‐Poly(EO‐co‐BiBGE) can initiate the polymerization of styrene by ATRP via the “Graft from” strategy, and the comb‐like copolymers mPEO‐b‐[Poly(EO‐co‐Gly)‐g‐PS] were obtained. Afterwards, the TEMPO‐PEO was prepared by ring‐opening polymerization (ROP) of EO initiated by 4‐hydroxyl‐2,2,6,6‐tetramethyl piperdinyl‐oxy (HTEMPO) and DPMK, and then coupled with mPEO‐b‐[Poly(EO‐co‐Gly)‐g‐PS] by atom transfer nitroxide radical coupling reaction in the presence of cuprous bromide (CuBr)/N,N,N′,N″,N″‐pentamethyldiethylenetriamine (PMDETA) via “Graft onto” method. The comb‐like block copolymers mPEO‐b‐[Poly(EO‐co‐Gly)‐g‐(PS‐b‐PEO)] were obtained with high efficiency (≥90%). The final product and intermediates were characterized in detail. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 47: 1930–1938, 2009     

Block copolymer mediated synthesis of amphiphilic gold nanoparticles in water and an aqueous tetrahydrofuran medium: An approach for the preparation of polymer–gold nanocomposites

The synthesis of polymer‐matrix‐compatible amphiphilic gold (Au) nanoparticles with well‐defined triblock polymer poly[2‐(N,N‐dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate]‐b‐poly(methyl methacrylate)‐b‐poly[2‐(N,N‐dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate] and diblock polymers poly(methyl methacrylate)‐b‐poly[2‐(N,N‐dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate], polystyrene‐b‐poly[2‐(N,N‐dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate], and poly(t‐butyl methacrylate)‐b‐poly[2‐(N,N‐dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate] in water and in aqueous tetrahydrofuran (tetrahydrofuran/H₂O = 20:1 v/v) at room temperature is reported. All these amphiphilic block copolymers were synthesized with atom transfer radical polymerization. The variations of the position of the plasmon resonance band and the core diameter of such block copolymer functionalized Au particles with the variation of the surface functionality, solvent, and molecular weight of the hydrophobic and hydrophilic parts of the block copolymers were systematically studied. Different types of polymer–Au nanocomposite films [poly(methyl methacrylate)–Au, poly(t‐butyl methacrylate)–Au, polystyrene–Au, poly(vinyl alcohol)–Au, and poly(vinyl pyrrolidone)–Au] were prepared through the blending of appropriate functionalized Au nanoparticles with the respective polymer matrices {e.g., blending poly[2‐(N,N‐dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate]‐b‐poly(methyl methacrylate)‐b‐poly[2‐(N,N‐dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate‐stabilized Au with the poly(methyl methacrylate)matrix only}. The compatibility of specific block copolymer modified Au nanoparticles with a specific homopolymer matrix was determined by a combination of ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and differential scanning calorimetry analyses. The facile formation of polymer–Au nanocomposites with a specific block copolymer stabilized Au particle was attributed to the good compatibility of block copolymer coated Au particles with a specific polymer matrix. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 44: 1841–1854, 2006     

Synthesis of block and star copolymers by photoinduced radical coupling process

The general design for the synthesis of AB diblock, and A₂B and AB₂ star copolymers based on the statistical coupling of poly(styrene) (PSt) and poly (methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) macromolecules containing photoreactive benzophenone is presented. For this purpose, mono- and bifunctional initiators for Atom Transfer Radical Polymerization (ATRP) bearing benzophenone group were synthesized and characterized. End- and mid-chain benzophenone functional PSt and PMMA with low molecular weights were obtained by ATRP using these initiators in the presence of CuBr/N,N,N′,N″,N″-pentamethyldiethylenetriamine (PMDETA) catalytic complex. Poly(styrene-block-methyl methacrylate) (PSt-b-PMMA) copolymers were prepared by photolysis of the solutions containing end functional PSt and PMMA in THF at λ = 350 nm for 60 min in the presence of a hydrogen donor such as N-methyldiethanolamine (NMDEA). The proposed mechanism assumes hydrogen abstraction of photoexcited benzophenone moiety by NMDEA. Ketyl radicals resulting from abstraction reaction undergo radical-radical coupling to form benzpinacol structure at the core. Formation of A₂B and AB₂ type star copolymers upon irradiation of solutions containing appropriate combinations of end- and mid-chain functional polymers was also demonstrated. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 47: 2938–2947, 2009     

N-Lithio-N,N′,N″,N″-tetramethyldiethylenetriamine and N′-Lithio-N,N,N″,N″-tetramethyldiethylenetriamine; Oxidative Coupling of Aminomethyllithium Derivatives

N-lithio-N,N′,N″,N″-tetramethyldiethylenetriamine (I-Li) is formed from 2,5,8,11-tetramethyl-2,5,8,11-tetraazadodecane (III) or from 2,5,8,11,14,17-hexamethyl-2,5,8,11,14,17-hexaazaoctadecane (IV) with n-BuLi or sec-BuLi, respectively, its isomer N′ -lithio-N,N,N″,N″,-tetramethyldiethylene-triamine (II-Li) from tris(2-dimethylaminoethyl)amine (V) with n-BuLi. IV results from treatment of N-lithiomethyl-N,N′,N″,N″-tetramethyldiethylenetriamine (PMDTA-Li) with 1,2-dibromoethane.     

Synthesis of amphiphilic block–graft copolymers [poly(styrene‐b‐ethylene‐co‐butylene‐b‐styrene)‐g‐poly(acrylic acid)] and their aggregation in water

Novel block–graft copolymers [poly(styrene‐b‐ethylene‐co‐butylene‐b‐styrene)‐g‐poly(tert‐butyl acrylate)] were synthesized by the atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) of tert‐butyl acrylate (tBA) with chloromethylated poly(styrene‐b‐ethylene‐co‐butylene‐b‐styrene) (SEBS) as a macromolecular initiator. The copolymers were composed of triblock SEBS as the backbone and tBA as grafts attached to the polystyrene end blocks. The macromolecular initiator (chloromethylated SEBS) was prepared by successive hydrogenation and chloromethylation of SEBS. The degree of chloromethylation, ranging from 1.6 to 36.5 mol % according to the styrene units in SEBS, was attained with adjustments in the amount of SnCl₄ and the reaction time with a slight effect on the monodispersity of the starting material (SEBS). The ATRP mechanism of the copolymerization was supported by the kinetic data and the linear increase in the molecular weights of the products with conversion. The graft density was controlled with changes in the functionality of the chloromethylated SEBS. The average length of the graft chain, ranging from a few repeat units to about two hundred, was adjusted with changes in the reaction time and alterations in the initiator/catalyst/ligand molar ratio. Incomplete initiation was detected at a low conversion; moreover, for initiators with low functionality, sluggish initiation was overcome with suitable reaction conditions. The block–graft copolymers were hydrolyzed into amphiphilic ones containing poly(acrylic acid) grafts. The aggregation behavior of the amphiphilic copolymers was studied with dynamic light scattering and transmission electron microscopy, and the aggregates showed a variety of morphologies. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 40: 1253–1266, 2002     

Synthesis of AB‐type block copolymers containing benzoxazole and anthracene groups by ATRP and fluorescent property

Two functional monomers, methacrylic acid 4‐(2‐benzoxazol)‐benzyl ester (MABE) containing the benzoxazole group and 4‐(2‐(9‐anthryl))‐vinyl‐styrene (AVS) containing the anthracene group were synthesized by rational design. The MABE was polymerized via atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) using ethyl 2‐bromoisobutyrate (EBIB) as initiator in CuBr/N,N,N′,N″,N″‐pentamethyldiethylenetriamine (PMDETA) catalyst system; block copolymers poly(MABE‐b‐AVS) was obtained, which was conducted by using poly(MABE) as macro‐initiator, AVS as the second monomer, and CuBr/PMDETA as catalyst. The constitute of two monomers in block copolymers poly(MABE‐b‐AVS) by ATRP could be adjusted, that is the constitute of the benzoxazole group and the anthracene group could be controlled in AB‐type block copolymers. Moreover, the fluorescent properties of homopolymers poly(MABE) and block copolymers poly(MABE‐b‐AVS) were discussed herein. With the excitation at λ_ex = 330 nm, the fluorescent emission spectrum of poly(MABE) solution showed emission at 375 nm corresponding to the benzoxazole‐based part; with the same excitation, the fluorescent emission spectrum of poly(MABE‐b‐AVS) solution showed a broad peek at 330–600 nm when the monomer AVS to the total monomers mole ratio was 0.31, and the fluorescent emission spectrum of poly(MABE‐b‐AVS) in film state only showed one peak at 525 nm corresponding to the anthracene‐based unit that indicated a complete energy transfer from the benzoxazole group to the anthracene group. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 45: 3894–3901, 2007     

Thiophenol derivatives as a reducing agent for in situ generation of Cu(I) species via electron transfer reaction in copper‐catalyzed living/controlled radical polymerization of styrene

The copper‐catalyzed living radical polymerization (LRP) of styrene (St) was carried out in the presence of thiophenol derivative such as sodium thiophenolate (PhSNa) or p‐methoxythiophenol as a reducing agent for Cu(II) by using either 1‐chloro‐1‐phenyl ethane or ethyl‐2‐bromoisobutyrate as an initiator and N,N,N′,N″,N″‐pentamethyldiethylenetriamine as ligand at 110 °C. Kinetic experiments were carried out to reveal the effect of PhSNa concentration on copper‐catalyzed LRP of St. This technique was successfully applied for the preparation of both chain‐extended polymer and block copolymer polystyrene‐b‐poly(methyl methacrylate). The obtained polymers were characterized using GPC, ¹H‐NMR, and MALDI‐TOF measurements. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 44: 5923–5932, 2006     

Synthesis of Amphiphilic ABCBA-Type Pentablock Copolymer from Consecutive ATRPs and Self-Assembly in Aqueous Solution

Summary: A novel amphiphilic ABCBA-type pentablock copolymer with properties that are sensitive to temperature and pH, poly(2-dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate)-block-poly(2,2,2-trifluoroethyl methacrylate)-block-poly(ε-caprolactone)-block-poly(2,2,2- trifluoroethyl methacrylate)-block-poly(2-dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate) (PDMAEMA- b-PTFEMA-b-PCL-b-PTFEMA-b-PDMAEMA), was synthesized via consecutive atom transfer radical polymerizations (ATRPs). The copolymers obtained were characterized by gel permeation chromatography (GPC) and ¹H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, respectively. The aggregation behaviors of the pentablock copolymers in aqueous solution with different pH (pH = 4.0, 7.0 and 8.5) were studied. Transmission electron microscopic images revealed that spherical micelles from self-assembly of the pentablock copolymer were prevalent in all cases. The mean diameters of these micelles increased from 34, 46, to 119 nm when the pH of the aqueous solution decreased from 8.5, 7.0, to 4.0, respectively.     

ABA-type amphiphilic triblock copolymers containing p-ethoxy azobenzene via atom transfer radical polymerization: Synthesis,characterization, and properties

ABA-type amphiphilic triblock copolymers composed of poly(ethylene glycol)s (PEGs) with different number-average molecular weights as the hydrophilic blocks (B) and poly{6-[4-(4-ethoxyphenylazo)phenoxy]hexyl methacrylate} (PA6C) as the hydrophobic blocks (A) were prepared via atom transfer radical polymerization. These copolymers were prepared from bromo-terminated macroinitiators based on PEG6000, PEG2000, and PEG600, with CuBr/N,N,N′,N″,N″-pentamethyldiethylenetriamine as the catalytic system, at 85 °C in anisole. The block copolymers were characterized with ¹H NMR spectroscopy and gel permeation chromatography. Differential scanning calorimetry measurements were performed to reveal the phase segregation. In contrast to those polymers with similar compositions and structures in previous reports, these amphiphilic copolymers exhibited unusual liquid-crystalline properties over a wide temperature range, being stable even at room temperature. These copolymers showed photoresponsive isomerization under the irradiation of UV–vis light both in THF solutions and in solid films. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 45: 2225–2234, 2007     

Chemistry of the phenoxathiins. III. Synthesis of benzo[1″,2″:5,6:5″,4″:5′,6′]bis[1,4]oxathiino[3,2-b:3′,2′-b']dipyridine

As a result of studies dealing with the synthesis of 1-azaphenoxathiins, the synthesis of benzo[1″,2″:5,6:5″,4″:5′,6′]bis[1,4]oxathiino[3,2-b:3′,2′-b']dipyridine was examined. Unique evidence of solvent participation in the synthesis of these compounds by the structure elucidation of a novel minor by-product formed during the synthesis of the title compound is also reported.     

Synthesis and properties of polydimethylsiloxane-containing block copolymers via living radical polymerization

Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) block copolymers were synthesized by using PDMS macroinitiators with copper-mediated living radical polymerization. Diamino PDMS led to initiators that gave ABA block copolymers, but there was low initiator efficiency and molecular weights are somewhat uncontrolled. The use of mono- and difunctional carbinol–hydroxyl functional initiators led to AB and ABA block copolymers with narrow polydispersity indices (PDIs) and controlled number-average molecular weights (M_n's). Polymerization with methyl methacrylate (MMA) and 2-dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate (DMAEMA) was discovered with a range of molecular weights produced. Polymerizations proceeded with excellent first-order kinetics indicative of living polymerization. ABA block copolymers with MMA were prepared with between 28 and 84 wt % poly(methyl methacrylate) with M_n's between 7.6 and 35 K (PDI <1.30), which show thermal transitions characteristic of block copolymers. ABA block copolymers with DMAEMA led to amphiphilic block copolymers with M_n's between 9.5 and 45.7 K (PDIs of 1.25–1.70), which formed aggregates in solution with a critical micelle concentration of 0.1 g dm⁻³ as determined by pyrene fluorimetry experiments. Monocarbinol functional PDMS gave AB block copolymers with both MMA and DMAEMA. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Polym Sci A: Polym Chem 39: 1833–1842, 2001     

Novel Amphiphilic Diblock and Triblock Liquid‐Crystalline Copolymers with Well‐Defined Structures Prepared by Atom Transfer Radical Polymerization

Summary: Based on a hydrophilic poly(ethylene oxide) macroinitiator (PEOBr), a novel amphiphilic diblock copolymer PEO‐block‐poly(11‐(4‐cyanobiphenyloxy)undecyl) methacrylate) (PEO‐b‐PMA(11CB)) was prepared by atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) using CuCl/1,1,4,7,10,10‐hexamethyltriethylenetriamine as a catalyst system. An azobenzene block of poly(11‐[4‐(4‐butylphenylazo)phenoxyl]undecyl methacrylate) was then introduced into the copolymer sequence by a second ATRP to synthesize the corresponding triblock copolymer PEO‐b‐PMA(11CB)‐b‐PMA(11Az). Both of the amphiphilic block copolymers had well‐defined structures and narrow molecular‐weight distributions, and exhibited a smectic liquid‐crystalline phase over a wide temperature range.

The amphiphilic triblock copolymer synthesized here.     

Polystyrene–Polyperfluorooctylethyl acrylate Diblock Copolymers: The Effect of Dilution of the Fluorinated Mesogenic Chains on Bulk and Surface Properties

Summary : Three smectic poly(styrene-b-perfluorooctylethyl acrylate) block copolymers (S-b-AF8) with different degrees of polymerization (n, m) of the relative blocks were synthesized by atom transfer radical polymerization (S, n = 25; AF8 m = 2, 6, 23). The mesophase structure and transition temperatures were investigated by DSC and WAXD. The block copolymer having the shortest fluorinated block was blended with a thermoplastic elastomer SEBS in different proportions, in order to look at the effect of a further dilution of the perfluorinated groups on non-wetting properties. Thin films of the block copolymers as well as the blends exhibited large contact angles with both water and n-hexadecane, which resulted in low solid surface tensions. XPS findings at different photoemission angles confirmed the effective surface segregation of the mesogenic chains of the fluorinated polymer block.     

Synthesis of well-defined macrocyclic block copolymers using living coupling agent method

Macrocyclic poly(styrene-b-butadiene) (SB) block copolymers were prepared by coupling a living poly(styrene-b-butadiene-b-styrene) (SBS) block copolymer using a living coupling agent, 1,3-bis(1-phenylethylenyl)benzene (DDPE), or a difunctional electrophile, dimethyldichlorosilane. The living poly(styrene-b-butadiene-b-styrene) block copolymer was generated from an addition product of sec-butyllithium and DDPE. A living heteroarmed star block copolymer has been prepared by coupling two moles of monolithium polystyrene with one mole of DDPE followed by reinitiation and polymerization of the butadiene monomer. The dilithium 4-armed star block copolymer was then coupled using dimethyldichlorosilane to form a cyclic polybutadiene with two attached polystyrene branches.