Amphiphilic diblock copolymers based on sucrose methacrylate: RAFT polymerization and self-assembly

Author(s)

Marques Marcilli, Raphael Henrique ^[1] ; Rodrigues Camilo, Ana Paula ^[1] ; Petzhold, Cesar Liberato ^[2] ; Felisberti, Maria Isabel ^[1]

Affiliation

^[1] Univ Estadual Campinas, Inst Chem, POB 6154, BR-13083970 Campinas, SP - Brazil

^[2] Univ Fed Rio Grande do Sul, Inst Chem, PO 15003, BR-91501970 Porto Alegre, RS - Brazil

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR LIQUIDS; v. 266, p. 628-639, SEP 15 2018.
• Web of Science Citations: 1

Abstract

Diblock copolymers based on methyl methacrylate and sucrose methacrylate were synthesized by Reversible Addition-Fragmentation Chain Transfer (RAFT) polymerization and characterized by C-13 and H-1 nuclear magnetic resonance and size exclusion chromatography. The copolymers solutions were investigated in terms of solubility, swelling tests and dynamic light scattering in different solvents. Copolymers containing from 5 to 35 mol% of hydrophilic monomer present a typical solubility behavior of amphiphilic polymers and self-assemble capability in solution. While poly(sucrose methacrylate) is water soluble, copolymers self-assemble in water and the highest molar mass copolymers swell, achieving a maximum water swelling ratio of 250%. SEM images of the aggregates formed in water after freeze-drying reveal the presence of monomodal and spherical particles, some of them exhibiting a vesicular structure. The copolymers efficiently promote emulsification of aromatic solvents in water, enabling the transference and stabilization of the aromatic solvent and an aromatic dye in the aqueous phase, suggesting a possible application as delivery systems. Moreover, films of the copolymers prepared by casting from solutions in different solvents are also capable to self-assemble forming mainly lamellar structures, as verified by SAXS. The morphology of dispersed spheres of poly(sucrose methacrylate) throughout a poly(methyl methacrylate) matrix is also observed by AFM and TEM. (C) 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 10/17804-7 - Polymeric composites
• Grantee: Maria Isabel Felisberti
• Support Opportunities: Research Projects - Thematic Grants
• FAPESP's process: 16/03394-8 - Synthesis of amphiphilic and block copolymers via RAFT and ATRP
• Grantee: Maria Isabel Felisberti
• Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Visiting Researcher Grant - Brazil
• FAPESP's process: 15/25406-5 - Organizing matter: colloids formed by association of surfactants, polymers and nanoparticles
• Grantee: Watson Loh
• Support Opportunities: Research Projects - Thematic Grants