Synthesis and properties of arborescent polyisobutylene‐poly(ethylene oxide) graft copolymers: a comparison of linear and arborescent graft copolymer architectures

摘要: Polymer architecture can have a significant effect on the properties and potential applications of materials. In this study, arborescent polyisobutylene (PIB)-poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) graft copolymers with varying PEO content were synthesized from PIB-co-polyisoprene compared linear PIB-PEO copolymers. By AFM imaging, phase separation was detected in 48 wt% copolymer. Tensile testing revealed that, general, increasing led to increased tensile strength Young's modulus but decreased elongation at break. Arborescent analogues exhibited lower break also less plastic deformation yielding behaviour. Like comparable content, films resisted adsorption rhodamine-labelled fibrinogen, suggesting that they may exhibit non-fouling properties. Finally, assembly these amphiphilic aqueous solution investigated. Unlike analogues, sizes assemblies not greatly affected by their method preparation. This work demonstrates it is possible prepare PIB-based materials wide range interesting tuning only architectures macromolecules. © 2014 Society Chemical Industry