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

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

Poly(acrylate‐b‐styrene‐b‐isobutylene‐b‐styrene‐b‐acrylate) Block Copolymers via Carbocationic and Atom Transfer Radical Polymerizations

A series of polyacrylate‐polystyrene‐polyisobutylene‐polystyrene‐polyacrylate (X‐PS‐PIB‐PS‐X) pentablock terpolymers (X=poly(methyl acrylate) (PMA), poly(butyl acrylate) (PBA), or poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA)) was prepared from poly (styrene‐b‐isobutylene‐b‐styrene) (PS‐PIB‐PS) block copolymers (BCPs) using either a Cu(I)Cl/1,1,4,7,7‐pentamethyldiethylenetriamine (PMDETA) or Cu(I)Cl/tris[2‐(dimethylamino)ethyl]amine (Me₆TREN) catalyst system. The PS‐PIB‐PS BCPs were prepared by quasiliving carbocationic polymerization of isobutylene using a difunctional initiator, followed by the sequential addition of styrene, and were used as macroinitiators for the atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) of methyl acrylate (MA), n‐butyl acrylate (BA), or methyl methacrylate (MMA). The ATRP of MA and BA proceeded in a controlled fashion using either a Cu(I)Cl/PMDETA or Cu(I)Cl/Me₆TREN catalyst system, as evidenced by a linear increase in molecular weight with conversion and low PDIs. The polymerization of MMA was less controlled. ¹H‐NMR spectroscopy was used to elucidate pentablock copolymer structure and composition. The thermal stabilities of the pentablock copolymers were slightly less than the PS‐PIB‐PS macroinitiators due to the presence of polyacrylate or polymethacrylate outer block segments. DSC analysis of the pentablock copolymers showed a plurality of glass transition temperatures, indicating a phase separated material.     

Copolymerization of 4‐Propanoylphenyl Acrylate with Methyl Methacrylate: Synthesis,Characterization and Reactivity Ratios

The new acrylic monomer 4‐propanoylphenyl acrylate (PPA) was synthesized and copolymerized with methyl methacrylate (MMA) in methyl ethyl ketone at 70±1°C using benzoyl peroxide as a free radical initiator. The copolymers were characterized by FT‐IR, ¹H‐NMR and ¹³C‐NMR spectroscopic techniques. The compositions of the copolymers were determined by ¹H‐NMR analysis. The reactivity ratios of the monomers were determined using Fineman‐Ross (r₁=0.5535 and r₂=1.5428), Kelen‐Tüdös (r₁=0.5307 and r₂=1.4482), and Ext. Kelen‐Tüdös (r₁=0.5044 and r₂=1.4614), as well as by a nonlinear error‐in‐variables model (EVM) method using a computer program, RREVM (r₁=0.5314 and r₂=1.4530). The solubility of the polymers was tested in various polar and non‐polar solvents. The elemental analysis was determined by a Perkin‐Elmer C‐H analyzer. The molecular weights (M_w and M_n) of the copolymers were determined by gel permeation chromatography. Thermogravimetric analysis of the polymers reveals that the thermal stability of the copolymers increases with an increase in the mole fraction of MMA in the copolymers. Glass transition temperatures of the copolymers were found to increase with an increase in the mole fraction of MMA in the copolymers.     

Novel Synthesis and Characterization of 1,3‐Bis(2‐dihydrothiazolyl)thiaalkoxy‐p‐tert‐butylcalix[4]arenes

A novel series of 1,3‐bis(2‐dihydrothiazolyl)thiaalkoxy‐p‐tert‐butylcalix[4]arenes generated by the reaction between 4,5‐dihydrothiazole‐2‐thiol and the different dibromide calix[4]aryl groups have been synthesized and structurally characterized by IR, ¹H NMR, ¹³C NMR, and MS. From their analytical data, it was found that compounds 8, 9, and 10 had cone conformations, whereas compound 11 existed as a mixture conformation. To verify the structure of the synthetic compounds, a single‐crystal X‐ray structure of compound 8 was obtained.     

Living Cationic Polymerization of α-Methylstyrene. 2. Synthesis of Block and Random Copolymers with 2-Chloroethyl Vinyl Ether and End-Functionauzed Polymers†

Abstract

Both AB and BA block copolymers of α-methylstyrene (αMeSt) and 2-chloroethyl vinyl ether (CEVE) were synthesized by the sequential living cationic polymerization initiated with the HCl-CEVE adduct (1a)/SnBr₄ system in CH₂Cl₂ at -78°C. αMeSt-CEVE (AB) block copolymers with narrow molecular weight distributions ([Mbar]_w/[Mbar]_n ～ 1.15) were obtained when αMeSt was polymerized first, followed by addition of CEVE to the resulting αMeSt living polymer solution. The reverse order of monomer addition, from CEVE to αMeSt, also led to a BA-type block copolymer. In the polymerization of a mixture of the two monomers, almost random copolymers were obtained. Living polymerizations of αMeSt were also induced with functional initiating systems, HCl-functionalized vinyl ether adducts (1b-1d)/SnBr₄, to give end-function-alized poly(αMeSt)s with a methacrylate, an acetate, or a phthalimide terminal.     

Synthesis and Characterization of Hydroxyl‐Terminated Poly(γ‐benzyl‐L‐glutamate)

In order to provide an active end group of hydroxyl group and improve the hydrophility of poly(γ‐benzyl‐L‐glutamate) (PBLG), ethanolamine (EA) was utilized as the initiator to initiate N‐carboxy‐γ‐benzyl‐L‐glutamate anhydride (Bz‐L‐Glu‐NCA) polymerization. The prepared hydroxyl‐terminated PBLG (HO‐PBLG) was fully characterized by FTIR, ¹H‐NMR, XPS, XRD, DSC, and GPC. The results of FTIR and XRD indicated that the chain conformation of HO‐PBLG predominantly presented α‐helix. The water contact angle was measured to confirm that the hydrophilicity was improved by the introduction of hydroxyl group. Chondrocytes studies showed that the cells attachment efficiency on the HO‐PBLG film was good and the cells grew well.     

Synthesis and Characterization of Amphiphilic Block Copolymer Containing PVP and Poly(5-benzyloxytrimethylene carbonate)

Amphiphilic block copolymers have attracted great interest recently, especially for thebiomedical uses1, . The hydrophilic blocks improve the biocompatibility of copolymer, 2while the hydrophobic blocks enhance the mechanics of the material and providever…     

Synthesis of Star‐Shaped Poly(ϵ‐caprolactone)‐b‐Poly(styrene) Block Copolymer by Combining Ring‐Opening Polymerization and Atom Transfer Radical Polymerization

Newly designed star‐shaped block copolymers made of poly(?‐caprolactone) (PCL) and polystyrene (PS) were synthesized by combining ring‐opening polymerization (ROP) of ?‐caprolactone (CL) and atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) of styrene (St). The switch from the first to the second mechanism was obtained by selective transformation of “living” radical sites. First, tri‐ and tetrafunctional initiators were used as an initiator for the “living” ring opening polymerization (ROP) of ?‐caprolactone producing a hydroxyl terminated three or four arm star‐shaped polymer. Next, the OH end groups of PCL star branches were derivatized into 2‐bromoisobutyrate groups which gave rise to the corresponding tri‐ and tetrabromoester ended‐PCL stars; the latter served as macroinitiators for the ATRP of styrene at 110°C in the presence of CuBr/2,2‐bipyridine (Bipy) catalyst system affording star‐shaped block copolymers PCL_n‐b‐PS_n (n=3 or 4). The samples obtained were characterizated by ¹H‐NMR spectroscopy and GPC (gel permeation chromatograph). These copolymers exhibited the expected structure. The crystallization of star‐shaped block copolymers was studied by DSC (differential scanning calorimetry). The results show that when the content of the PS block increased, the T_m of the star‐shaped block copolymer decreased.     

Synthesis and Characterization of Novel Poly(Arylene Ether)s from 1,3‐bis(4‐Hydroxyphenyl) Benzene

Abstract

Several poly(aryl ether)s have been prepared by the condensation of 1,3‐bis(4‐hydroxy phenyl) benzene with different trifluoromethyl activated bis‐fluoro compounds. IR, ¹H and ¹³C NMR, and elemental analyses have established the resulting polymer structures. The properties of the polymers have been evaluated by DSC, TGA, dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) and stress–strain analysis. The polymers 1a and 1c showed semi‐crystalline behavior as evident by sharp crystalline melting peaks at 299°C and 330°C along with glass transitions at 202°C and 216°C, respectively. The polymers showed very good thermal stability in air, high modulus, and high tensile strength with low elongation at break.     

Preparation of Poly(ethylene terephthalate)‐g‐Methacrylamide Copolymers Initiated by Azobisizobutyronitrile: Characterization and Investigation of Some Properties

Poly(ethylene terephthalate)‐g‐methacrylamide (PET‐g‐MAAm) copolymer was prepared by graft copolymerization in organic solvent/water mixtures by using azobisizobutyronitrile (AIBN) as an initiator. The highest graft yield was obtained in 20/80 (v/v) acetonitrile/water mixture as 30.0%. The effect of polymerization parameters such as the ratio of solvent/water mixture, concentrations of initiator and monomer, temperature and time on the graft yield was studied. The moisture regain of the PET fiber increased with grafting from 0.42% to 3.01%. Thermogravimetric data showed that the thermal stability of PET fibers decreased with grafting and 85% of total weight of 29.7% grafted fiber was lost at 500°C. On the other hand, fiber density decreased with increasing graft yield. At SEM micrographs, the layers oriented in the direction of fiber length were observed on the surface of PET fiber as a result of grafting.     

Copolymers of 2‐(3‐(6‐tetralino)‐3‐methyl‐1‐cyclobutyl)‐2‐Hydroxyethyl Methacrylate with Acrylonitrile and 4‐Vinylpyridine: Synthesis,Characterization, and Monomer Reactivity Ratios

The copolymerization of 2‐(3‐(6‐tetralino)‐3‐methyl‐1‐cyclobutyl)‐2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate (TCHEMA), monomer with acrylonitrile and 4‐vinylpyridine were carried out in 1,4‐dioxane solution at 65°C using AIBN as an initiator. The copolymers were characterized by FTIR, ¹H‐NMR, and ¹³C‐NMR spectroscopic techniques. Thermal properties of the polymers were also studied by thermogravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimetry. The copolymer compositions were determined by elemental analysis. The monomer reactivity ratios were calculated by the Fineman‐Ross and Kelen‐Tüdös method. Also, the apparent thermal decomposition activation energies were calculated by the Ozawa method with a Shimadzu TGA 50 thermogravimetric analysis thermobalance.     

Synthesis and Characterization of Poly(ether ether ketone)s with (2,5‐dihydroxy)phenyl Side Group

A new monomer, (2,5‐dimethoxy)phenylhydroquinone (DMPH), was prepared in a two‐step synthetic procedure. One aromatic poly(ether ether ketone)s with 2,5‐dimethoxy phenyl side group (DMP‐PEEK) was synthesized via an aromatic nucleophilic substitution reaction with 4,4′‐difluorobenzophenone (DFB). Poly(ether ether ketone)s with 2,5‐dihydroxy phenyl side group (DHP‐PEEK) was obtained via hydrolysis of methoxy group on the DMP‐PEEK. Both of the high molecular weight polymers could be obtained despite the steric effect of the bulky pendant groups. The two polymers have good solubility at room temperature.     

Synthesis,Characterization and Photocrosslinking Properties of Poly(1‐(4‐Methacrylamidophenyl)‐1‐(4‐nitrophenyl)prop‐1‐en‐3‐one)

The phenylmethacrylamide monomer, 1‐(4‐methacrylamidophenyl)‐1‐(4‐nitrophenyl)prop‐1‐en‐3‐one (MPNP) containing a photosensitive group was synthesized by reacting 4‐nitrocinnamoylaniline with methacryloyl chloride in the presence of triethylamine at 0–5°C. The functional monomer, MPNP was polymerized in ethyl methyl ketone (EMK) under nitrogen atmosphere at 70°C using benzoyl peroxide (BPO) as the initiator. The synthesized polymer was characterized by UV, IR, ¹H‐NMR and ¹³C‐NMR spectroscopy. The molecular weight data of the polymer as obtained from gel permeation chromatography suggests a higher tendency for chain termination by radical recombination than disproportionation. The thermal studies of the polymer were obtained from thermogravimetric analysis. The glass transition temperature of the polymer was determined by differential scanning calorimetry. The solubility of the polymer was tested in various organic solvents at room temperature. The photosensitivity of the polymer was investigated in various solvents in the presence and absence of triplet photosensitizers. The effect of the different solvents nature and concentration on the rate of photocrosslinking of the polymer were also examined for using the polymer as negative photoresist materials.     

Synthesis and Properties of Poly(Aryl Ether Ketone) Copolymers with Trifluoromethyl‐Substituted Benzene in the Side Chain

The new monomer (4‐(4′‐trifluoromethyl)phenoxyphenyl)hydroquinone (TFPOPH) was synthesized in a three‐step synthesis. A series of poly(aryl ether ketone) copolymers were prepared by the reaction of (4‐(4′‐Trifluoromethyl)phenoxyphenyl)hydroquinone and hydroquinone (HQ) with 4,4′‐difluorobenzophenone (DFB) in the presence of potassium carbonate in tretramethylene sulfone (TMS). Thermal analyses of the fluorinated copolymers showed that the glass transition temperature and 5.0% weight loss temperature are similar with that of PEEK, and the crystallinity decreased with increasing of TFPOPH. For the copolymer synthesized with the molar fraction of TFPOPH in the diphenol monomers (TFPOPH, HQ) being over 0.2, no cold crystallization temperature and melting temperature were detected, indicating that these copolymers are almost amorphous. The crystal structure of the copolymers with the molar fraction of TFPOPH being not higher than 0.2 is rhombic. The solubility in polar aprotic solvents of poly(aryl ether ketone)s copolymers increases and dielectric constant decreases step by step.     

Synthesis,Characterization, and Photocrosslinking Properties of Poly(4‐Methacrylamidophenyl‐2′,3′‐benzostyryl Ketone)

Abstract

A new methacrylamide monomer, 4‐methacrylamidophenyl‐2′,3′‐benzostyryl ketone (MPBSK) having a free‐radical polymerizable group and a photocrosslinkable functional group, was synthesized by reacting 4‐(2′,3′‐benzocinnamoyl)aniline with methacryloyl chloride in the presence of triethyl amine. The monomer, MPBSK was polymerized in methyl ethyl ketone (MEK) at 70°C using benzoyl peroxide (BPO) as the initiator. The polymer was characterized by UV, IR, ¹H‐NMR, and ¹³C‐NMR spectroscopy. The polymer was found to be soluble in several polar aprotic solvents and in chlorinated solvents but insoluble in aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbons and in alcohols. The molecular weight data of the polymer as obtained from gel permeation chromatography suggests a higher tendency for chain termination by disproportionation than dimerization. The glass transition temperature of the polymer was determined by differential scanning calorimetry. Thermogravimetric analysis of the polymer carried out in air reveals that it possesses good thermal stability required of a negative photoresist. The photocrosslinking property of the polymer was investigated by irradiating the polymer solution with UV light in the presence and absence of triplet photosensitizers. The effect of the solvent on the rate of photocrosslinking of the polymer was also studied.     

Synthesis and Characterization of Poly(isoprene-b-butyl methacrylate) Block Copolymer in the Presence of Rare Earth Catalyst

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Synthesis of Vinyl Polymer—Poly (α-Amino Acid) Block Copolymers by End-Reactive Oligomers

In order to synthesize block copolymers consisting of segments having dissimilar properties, vinyl polymer - poly (α-amino acid) block copolymers were synthesized by two different methods. In the first method, the terminal amino groups of polysarcosine, poly(γ-benzyl L-glutamate), and poly(γ-benzyloxycarbonyl-L-lysine) were haloacetylated. The mixture of the terminally haloacetylated poly (α-amino acid) and styrene or methyl methacrylate was photoirradiated in the presence of Mo (CO)₆ or heated with Mo(CO)₆, yielding A-B-A-type block copolymers consisting of poly(α-amino cid) (the A component) and vinyl polymer(the B component). The characterization of block copolymers revealed that the thermally initiated polymerization of vinyl compounds by the trichloroacetyl poly(α-amino acid)/Mo(CO)₆ system was most suitable for the synthesis of vinyl polymer - poly-(α-amino acid) block copolymers. In the second method, poly (methyl methacrylate) and polystyrene having a terminal amino group were synthesized by the radical polymerization in the presence of 2-mercaptoethylammonium chloride. Using these polymers having a terminal amino group as an initiator, the block polymerizations of γ-benzyl L-glutamate NCA and e-benzyloxycarbonyl-L-lysine NCA were carried out, yielding A-B-type block copolymer. By eliminating the protecting groups of the side chains of poly(α-amino acid) segment, block copolymers such as poly(methyl methacrylate) with poly(L-glutamic acid) or poly(L-lysine) and polystyrene with poly(L-glutamic acid) and poly(L-lysine) were successfully synthesized.     

Self Organization and Redox Behavior of Poly(vinylferrocene)-block-Poly(isobutylene)-block-Poly(vinylferrocene) Triblock Copolymer †

Self organization and redox behavior of a ferrocene containing triblock copolymer, poly(vinylferrocene)-block-poly(isobutylene)-block-poly(vinylferrocene), with narrow molecular weight distribution in solutions and in thin films were investigated. Dynamic light scattering studies of the block copolymer in dilute solutions indicated that the polymer chains aggregated at relatively low concentrations. The aggregations of polymer chains were observed in toluene, as well as in tetrahydrofuran at concentrations as low as 0.014 mg/mL and 0.0045 mg/mL, respectively. Thin films of the copolymer showed reversible single electron redox behavior, similar to that of ferrocene. Morphology and micro-phase separation of the copolymer was analyzed by transmission electron microscopy.     

Synthesis and Characterization of Hexadecaaniline‐Grafted Comb‐like Poly(maleic acid‐alt‐1‐octadecene)

Highly soluble hexadecaaniline (A₁₆)‐grafted polyolefin derivatives poly(maleic acid‐hexadecaanilinamide‐alt‐1‐octadecene) (PMAO‐A₁₆) in a comb‐like configuration with alternate linear hexadecane and A₁₆ side‐chains were synthesized and characterized. The structure of PMAO‐A₁₆ was substantiated by infrared and UV‐Vis spectra showing high intensity of characteristic absorption peaks corresponding to a high degree of A₁₆ attachments. Covalent grafting of hexadecaanilines onto the polymer backbone of PMAO was confirmed by the detection of a new amide [–(C[dbnd]O)–NH–] absorption band appearing at 1661 cm^?1 accompanied with the full disappearance of anhydride carbonyl absorptions. Based on the comparison between TGA profiles of PMAO‐A₁₆ and hexadecaaniline, a 12.5% wt loss at 365–600°C was accounted for full elimination of aliphatic side‐chains that matches approximately with the weight percentage of total hexadecane arms (12.7%). The data revealed a nearly quantitative yield of A₁₆ grafting on anhydride subunits leading to complete conversion of PMAO into PMAO‐A₁₆. Furthermore, preliminary ¹H‐NMR study of PMAO‐A₁₆ indicated its capability to undergo molecular self‐assembly in DMSO where A₁₆s were dispersed in the solvent phase with hexadecane side‐chains located in a phase‐separated domain.     

The Preparation and Biodegradable Properties of Poly(L‐lactic acid)‐Poly(ϵ‐caprolactone) Multiblock Copolymers

Multi‐block copolymers of PLLA and PCL were prepared by a coupling reaction between PLLA and PCL prepolymers with –NCO end groups. FTIR proved that the products were PLLA‐PCL copolymers. The weight‐average molecular weight of the copolymers was up to 180,000 at a composition of 60% PLLA and 40% PCL. The degradation properties of PLLA and PLLA‐PCL copolymers were studied by a soil burial test and a hydrolysis test in a phosphate‐buffer solution. The degradation rate was estimated by the mass loss, molecular weight reduction, pH value changes and swelling index; the degradation rates of the copolymers were a function of the composition of PLLA and PCL. Increasing PCL content in the copolymers resulted in lower degradation rate.