Star-shaped block copolymers. III. Surface and interfacial properties

Surface and interfacial activities of A(B)₂ star-shaped block copolymers, where B is a polyoxirane block and A a polydiene or polyvinyl block, have been measured at 20°C. The surface tension of organic solvents is only slightly lowered by these copolymers, whereas a significant surface activity is noted in water. Interfacial tensions are dependent on both the nature of the organic solvent (aliphatic or aromatic hydrocarbons) and the molecular parameters of the copolymers; 50% polyoxirane seems to be the composition of maximum surface activity. The role played by the molecular architecture [A-B or A(B)₂] of the copolymers is demonstrated. The same limiting interfacial tension is obtained on increasing the concentration of diblock [A-B] or star-shaped block [A(B)₂] copolymer. The limiting value is, however, attained at significantly lower concentration with the star-shaped copolymers. Their ability to fill the interface is accordingly higher.     

Starshaped block copolymers. I. Synthesis of new A(B)2 starshaped block copolymers based on vinyl or diene hydrocarbons (A) and oxirane (B)

Naphthalene-terminated polyvinyl aromatics and polyisoprene were obtained successfully. These functional polymers were metalated by potassium in THF at 25°C. The formation of a stable dinegative ion is observed unless the naphthalene is directly attached to the end of the polyvinyl aromatics, in which case a few isoprene units can be advantageously inserted between the naphthalene end group and the polyvinyl aromatics. The polymeric and stable dinegative ion polymerizes oxirane by both anionic sites and forms three-branched starshaped block copolymers.