Aggregation and Polymerization of PEG-Based Macromonomers with Methacryloyl Group as the Only Hydrophobic Segment

Aggregation behavior in aqueous solution of a series of poly (ethylene glycol) (PEG)-based macromonomers with methacryloyl group as the only hydrophobic segment has been investigated using surface tension, steady-state and time-resolved fluorescence spectroscopy using pyrene as a probe, and small-angle neutron scattering techniques. The general formula of these macromonomers is CH(2)&dbond;C(CH(3))-CO-O-E(m)-CH(3), where E is the ethylene glycol unit and m=8 (ME(8)), 18 (ME(18)), 49 (ME(49)), and 120 (ME(120)). The results indicate that a macromonomer with 8 ethylene glycol units forms as an aggregate above a certain critical concentration, which can be defined as critical aggregation concentration. The observed high value of I(1)/I(3) in pyrene emission spectra at the interface of these aggregates and the inability to scatter a neutron beam by these aggregates indicate that the hydrophobic cluster formed by this macromonomer is remarkably solvated. ME(18) has a tendency to aggregate but others do not form any hydrophobic cluster. The homopolymerization behaviors of these macromonomers in an aqueous medium at 70 degrees C are consistent with these possibi- lities. Copyright 2001 Academic Press.