Thermoresponsive polymers based on oligo(ethylene glycol) methyl ether methacrylate and modified substrates with thermosensitivity

Abstract

Thermoresponsive P(MEOMA-co-OEGMA) copolymers of Ethylene glycol methyl ether methacrylate (MEOMA) and oligo(ethylene glycol) methacrylate (OEGMA) were synthesized through free-radical copolymerization initiated by azodiisobutyronitrile (AIBN) in solution polymerization. The lower critical solution temperature (LCST) of The P(MEOMA-co-OEGMA) copolymers can be controlled by adjusting the mole fractions of MEOMA and OEGMA. The synthesized copolymers were characterized by proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H NMR), infrared spectrum (FTIR) and gel permeation chromatography (GPC). The LCST of the synthesized copolymers and diverse results of FTIR and contact angle of the films were examined in different conditions, which can explain the transformation of thermoresponsive polymer with changing temperature. The LCST behavior of the polymers in ethanol/water co-solvent was measured, which contribute to coat polymers onto fabrics substrate conveniently. Modified fabrics showed tunable hydrophilic as so-called “Smart Textiles”.