Synthesis and Characterization of Poly(Ԑ-caprolactone-b-Styrene) Block Copolymer by Ring-Opening Polymerization and Reversible Addition-Fragmentation Chain Transfer Polymerization

Abstract

The synthesis of the block copolymer was carried out using the RAFT polymerization technique and the ring-opening polymerization (ROP) technique using a novel two functional initiator (RAFT-ROP agent). For this purpose, RAFT-ROP agent was obtained using 5-bromo-2-hydroxybenzaldehyde and potassium salt of ethyl xanthogenate. RAFT-macro agent was synthesized by ROP of ɛ-caprolactone (CL) with RAFT-ROP agent. Then, poly(ɛ-caprolactone-b-styrene) block copolymer was synthesized using RAFT polymerization in the presence of RAFT-macro agent using styrene. The products were characterized using GPC, FT-IR and 1H-NMR analyses. Decomposition temperatures of the block copolymer were monitored by TGA method. Spectroscopic and thermal analyses revealed that the reactions were successfully carried out.