Moisture curable non-isocynated polyacrylate triblock copolymer elastomers: synthesis and properties

Abstract

In this study, novel polyacrylate triblock copolymer elastomers containing methoxysilane groups, poly(methyl methacrylate-co - 3-methacryloxypropyl-methyldimethoxysilane)-b - poly(ethyl acrylate)-b - poly(methyl methacrylate-co - 3-methacryloxypropylmethyldimethoxy-silane) [(PMMA-co - PDMMSPMA)-b - PEA-b - (PMMA-co - PDMMSPMA)], are synthesized and investigated. The triblock copolymers are synthesized via ARGET ATRP using copper wire as the reducing agent and the copolymers can be crosslinked under moisture conditions due to the hydrolyzation of methoxysilane groups. Results show that the triblock copolymers are successfully synthesized in a good controlled way. Copper wire is a better reducing agent in the ARGET ATRP of the methoxysilane monomers than stannous octoate and ascorbic acid. The melt viscosity of the triblock copolymers can be obviously reduced after introducing the methoxysilane groups into the copolymers, which is beneficial for the processing. The triblock copolymers can be crosslinked under moisture and the tension strength and elongation at break of the cross-linked elastomers are greatly enhanced simultaneously.