Synthesis and Characterization of Graft Copolymers with Poly(ε-caprolactone) Side Chain Using Hydroxylated...

Area of Science:

• Polymer Chemistry
• Materials Science
• Biomass Valorization

Background:

• Graft copolymers offer unique properties for high-performance thermoplastic elastomers, resins, and rubbers.
• β-myrcene (My), a renewable biomass monomer, yields polymers with low glass transition temperatures and high elasticity.
• α-methyl styrene (AMS) incorporation can impart thermal degradation properties to polymyrcene.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize novel graft copolymers with tunable thermal properties.
• To investigate the influence of AMS units on the thermal stability and glass transition temperature of polymyrcene.
• To create graft copolymers with polycaprolactone (PCL) side chains via ring-opening polymerization (ROP).

Main Methods:

• One-pot anionic polymerization of My and AMS using sec-BuLi initiator.
• Partial epoxidation and hydroxylation of linear copolymers to introduce hydroxyl groups.
• Ring-opening polymerization (ROP) of ε-caprolactone (ε-CL) initiated by the hydroxylated copolymer.

Main Results:

• Synthesis of a series of tapered P(My-co-AMS) copolymers.
• Demonstration of AMS incorporation affecting thermal stability and glass transition temperature.
• Successful preparation of graft copolymers with PCL side chains.

Conclusions:

• The synthesized graft copolymers possess tunable thermal characteristics.
• The methodology allows for the creation of functionalized biomass-derived polymers.
• These materials show promise for advanced applications in elastomers and resins.