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Updated: May 28, 2026

Depolymerizable Olefinic Polymers Based on Fused-Ring Cyclooctene Monomers
Published on: December 16, 2022
From an epoxide monomer toolkit to functional PEG copolymers with adjustable LCST behavior
Christine Mangold1, Boris Obermeier, Frederik Wurm
1Institute of Organic Chemistry, Johannes Gutenberg-University, Mainz, Germany.
Novel poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG)-based copolymers exhibit tunable lower critical solution temperature (LCST) behavior. Functional group modification and comonomer ratios significantly influence their stimuli-responsive properties for diverse applications.
Area of Science:
- Polymer Chemistry
- Materials Science
- Physical Chemistry
Background:
- Stimuli-responsive polymers exhibit reversible changes in physical properties in response to external stimuli.
- Poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG)-based copolymers are versatile materials with tunable properties.
- Lower Critical Solution Temperature (LCST) behavior is a key characteristic of thermoresponsive polymers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the LCST behavior of novel PEG-based copolymers.
- To explore the influence of functional groups and comonomer ratios on LCST.
- To synthesize and characterize new stimuli-responsive polymer systems.
Main Methods:
- Anionic ring-opening (co)polymerization (AROP) was employed for copolymer synthesis.
- Variable ratios of ethylene oxide (EO) and functionalized oxiranes (IGG, EVGE, AGE, DBAG) were used.
- LCST behavior was determined by observing solution transitions from translucent to opaque.
Main Results:
- Novel PEG-based copolymers displayed tunable LCST behavior.
- LCST ranged from 9 to 82 °C, influenced by comonomer ratios and functional groups.
- Sharp phase transitions were observed, comparable to established thermoresponsive polymers.
- The hydrophobicity of side groups was quantified and correlated with LCST.
Conclusions:
- Functionalized PEG copolymers offer tunable thermoresponsive properties.
- AROP is an effective method for synthesizing these novel materials.
- The developed copolymers show potential as stimuli-responsive materials.
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