Triblock Copolymers Based on Sucrose Methacrylate and Methyl Methacrylate: RAFT Polymerization and Self-Assembly

Author(s)

Marques Marcilli, Raphael Henrique ^[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, BR-91501970 Porto Alegre, RS - Brazil

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: MACROMOLECULAR CHEMISTRY AND PHYSICS; v. 221, n. 10 APR 2020.
• Web of Science Citations: 0

Abstract

ABA and BAB triblock amphiphilic copolymers based on sucrose methacrylate and methyl methacrylate are synthesized by sequential reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer polymerization using S,S `-bis(R,R `-dimethyl-R `'-acetic acid)-trithiocarbonate as a chain transfer agent. The copolymers present narrow molar mass dispersity, controlled molar mass and architecture as determined by gel permeation chromatography and H-1 and C-13 nuclear magnetic resonance. The copolymers with molar and mass fractions of poly(sucrose methacrylate) block ranging from 1 to 22 mol% and 3 to 52 wt%, respectively, and different molar masses present characteristics of a surfactant such as self-assembly. The self-assembly of the triblock copolymers in water, N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF), dichloromethane, tetrahydrofuran, or benzene results mostly in vesicles as confirmed by scanning electron microscopy images and small-angle X-ray of the dispersions. Moreover, the copolymers present the capability to stabilize aromatic molecules (Nile Red dye) and nonpolar solvents in an aqueous phase and polar ionic molecules (methylene blue) and water in a nonpolar medium, suggesting the potential for application in drug encapsulation, environmental remediation systems, and molecular extraction in liquid-liquid immiscible systems, for example. Films prepared by casting from copolymer solutions in DMF present a lamellar structure with the lamellar thickness varying according to the copolymer molar mass. (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