Synthesis strategies and properties of smart amphiphilic networks

Abstract

AbstractThis paper briefly surveys recent developments in the field of amphiphilic networks (APN) which are a new class of crosslinked polymer systems consisting of covalently bonded hydrophobic and hydrophilic chain segments. The covalent bonds between immiscible hydrophobic and hydrophilic polymer chains prevent demixing and yield polymer networks with unique structure and properties. Telechelic macromonomers provide the basis for the first generation of APNs obtained by copolymerization of the macromonomer with selected low molecular weight monomers. Synthesis of a variety of APNs using methacrylate‐telechelic polyisobutylene (PIB) macromonomers prepared by living carbocationic polymerization (LCCP) and quantitative chain end derivatization is reviewed. The second generation of PIB‐based amphiphilic networks is prepared by crosslinking of well‐defined hydroxy‐telechelic PIB and partially deprotected silylated poly(2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate) (PHEMA) precursor chains. Other opportunities providing better structural control of APNs by crosslinking of functional amphiphilic block copolymers (or precursors) obtained by combining living carbocationic and anionic polymerizations are outlined as well. Properties of APNs, such as control of swellability by composition, pH‐response of swelling, fast surface structure reorganization by contacting with solvent, morphology, sustained release of drugs and bio‐ and blood compatibility, are also summarized.