Synthesis and characterization of microphase separated primary amine functionalized polystyrene-b-poly(2-vinylpyridine)

Abstract

Microphase separated block copolymers containing primary amine functionalities would have applications in sensors, templates, anti-microbial surfaces and cell scaffolds. Primary amines allow for a variety of different click chemistries that facilitate these applications. In this investigation microphase separated polystyrene-b-poly(2-vinylpyridine) films were quaternized with a primary amine functionality utilizing the less common trimethylsilyl protecting group and a substitution reaction. The glass transition of the 2-vinylpyridine block was suppressed after functionalization. The newly introduced amine functionalities are susceptible to cross-linking through the use of glutaraldehyde, demonstrating the availability of the amines for further chemical modification. The trimethylsilyl protecting group allowed for the reliable quaternization of PS-b-P2VP with a primary amine, without disrupting the film or its morphology.