Synthesis and analysis of phase segregation of polystyrene-block-poly(methyl methacrylate) copolymer obtained by Steglich esterification from semitelechelic blocks of polystyrene and poly(methyl methacrylate)

Author(s)

Boni, Felipe R. ^[1] ; Ferreira, Filipe V. ^[1] ; Pinheiro, Ivanei F. ^[1] ; Rocco, Silvana A. ^[2] ; Sforca, Mauricio L. ^[2] ; Lona, Liliane M. F. ^[1]

Affiliation

^[1] Univ Campinas UNICAMP, Sch Chem Engn, Campinas, SP - Brazil

^[2] Brazilian Ctr Res Energy & Mat CNPEM, Brazilian Biosci Natl Lab LNBio, Campinas, SP - Brazil

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: Journal of Applied Polymer Science; v. 137, n. 45 MAY 2020.
• Web of Science Citations: 1

Abstract

Here, an alternative route to successfully synthesize polystyrene-block-poly(methyl methacrylate) (PS-b-PMMA) is reported. Steglich esterification was used as an effective, metal free approach for coupling carboxylic terminated PS and the hydroxyl end-functionalized PMMA chains obtained by nitroxide-mediated polymerization and atom transfer radical polymerization, respectively. alpha-Functionalization was obtained using 4,4 `-azobis(4-cyanovaleric acid) and 2,2,2-tribromoethanol as initiators. The synthesis of PS-b-PMMA was confirmed by gel permeation chromatography and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), while the dependence of the diffusion coefficients of the polymers (PS, PMMA, PS/PMMA blend, and PS-b-PMMA) with their corresponding molecular weights was discussed based on the results of atomic force microscopy-based infrared spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, and spectra of diffusion-ordered NMR spectroscopy. Differently from PS-b-PMMA, a partial segregation was observed for the PS/PMMA blend, affecting its thermal behavior and diffusion coefficient. The study here presented provides an easier and efficient strategy for the synthesis of PS-b-PMMA and new insights into the diffusion of polymers. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 16/09588-9 - Functionalization of cellulose nanocrystals to developing biodegradable nanocomposites PBAT/CNC
• Grantee: Filipe Vargas Ferreira
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate
• FAPESP's process: 18/12831-8 - In situ synthesis of biodegradable polymers using nanocrystalline and microfibrillated cellulose and lignin with no functionalization
• Grantee: Liliane Maria Ferrareso Lona
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• FAPESP's process: 16/08595-1 - Nanocomposites reinforced with layered double hydroxides or layered hydroxide salts using poly(amide)6 and poly(L-lactide)
• Grantee: Liliane Maria Ferrareso Lona
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants