Abstract
Functional polymers have been an important field of research in recent years. With the development of the controlled polymerization methods, block-copolymers of defined structures and properties could be obtained. In this paper, the possibility of the synthesis of the functional block-copolymer polystyrene-b-poly(2-(methoxyethoxy)ethyl methacrylate) was tested. The target was to prepare the polymer of the number average molecular weight (Mn) of approximately 120 that would contain 20–40% of poly(2-(methoxyethoxy)ethyl methacrylate) by mass and in which the polymer phases would be separated. The polymerization reactions were performed by three different mechanisms for the controlled polymerization—sequential anionic polymerization, atomic transfer radical polymerization and the combination of those two methods. In sequential anionic polymerization and in atomic transfer radical polymerization block-copolymers of the desired composition were obtained but with the Mn significantly lower than desired (up to 30). The polymerization of the block-copolymers of the higher Mn was unsuccessful, and the possible mechanisms for the unwanted side reactions are discussed. It is also concluded that combination of sequential anionic polymerization and atomic transfer radical polymerization is not suitable for this system as polystyrene macroinitiator cannot initiate the polymerization of poly(2-(methoxyethoxy)ethyl methacrylate).
Highlights
Rapid change in solubility is the property of certain polymeric materials that can be utilized for the construction of the novel membranes
Mn (NMR)—number average molecular weight of the diblock-copolymer
As UV/IR ratio for the peak at the lower elution volume is approximately the same, it is reasonable to conclude that no DMEEMA. Polymerized by this mechanism and that this peak comes from coupled pairs of polystyrene that are formed during macroinitiator synthesis
Summary
Rapid change in solubility is the property of certain polymeric materials that can be utilized for the construction of the novel membranes. This type of membranes would change their permeability as a response to the temperature changes. Those membranes could be applied as the temperature-triggered controller for the separation of proteins and/or controlled drug delivery [1,2]. Possible approach to the solution may be diblock-copolymer in which one block shows lower temperature solution temperature (LCST) behavior while the other block has high mechanical stability and serves as a mechanical carrier [5,6].
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