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Atom Transfer Radical Polymerization of Functionalized Vinyl Monomers Using Perylene as a Visible Light Photocatalyst
Published on: April 22, 2016
COMPLEX AMPHIPHILIC HYPERBRANCHED FLUOROPOLYMERS BY ATOM TRANSFER RADICAL SELF-CONDENSING VINYL (CO)POLYMERIZATION
Kenya T Powell1, Chong Cheng, Karen L Wooley
1Center for Materials Innovation, Department of Chemistry and Department of Radiology, Washington University, Saint Louis, Missouri 63130-4899.
New amphiphilic hyperbranched fluoropolymers and fluorocopolymers were synthesized. These novel materials exhibit excellent thermal stability and form water-dispersible micelles, showcasing their potential for various applications.
Area of Science:
- Polymer Chemistry
- Materials Science
- Fluoropolymer Synthesis
Background:
- Hyperbranched polymers offer unique properties due to their complex architectures.
- Fluoropolymers are known for their chemical resistance and thermal stability.
- Incorporating hydrophilic units into fluoropolymers can enhance their solubility and create amphiphilic characteristics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To synthesize novel amphiphilic hyperbranched fluorohomopolymers and fluorocopolymers.
- To incorporate tri(ethylene glycol) units into the polymer backbone for enhanced properties.
- To characterize the synthesized polymers' structure, thermal behavior, and solubility.
Main Methods:
- Atom Transfer Radical Self-Condensing Vinyl Polymerization (ATRVCP) was employed for synthesis.
- Homopolymerization of a functionalized inimer and copolymerization with pentafluorostyrene were performed.
- Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA), and Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) were used for characterization.
Main Results:
- Synthesis of a fluorohomopolymer (M(n) = 9.06 kDa) and a fluorocopolymer (M(n) = 17.2 kDa).
- Homopolymer exhibited thermal stability up to 175 °C and a glass transition temperature (Tg) of -19 °C.
- Copolymer showed higher thermal stability up to 210 °C and a Tg of 20 °C, with both forming water-dispersible micelles.
Conclusions:
- Successfully synthesized amphiphilic hyperbranched fluoropolymers with tunable properties.
- The presence of tri(ethylene glycol) units enabled water dispersibility and micelle formation.
- The synthesized polymers demonstrate good thermal stability and solubility in organic solvents, indicating potential for advanced material applications.
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