Redox Responsive Behavior of Thiol/Disulfide-Functionalized Star Polymers Synthesized via Atom Transfer Radical Polymerization
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
5-11-2010
School
Polymer Science and Engineering
Abstract
A poly(n-butyl acrylate)-based star polymer, polyEGDA-(polyBA)n, was synthesized by atom transfer radical polymerization using a modified core-first method. Further polymerization of a disulfide (SS) cross-linking agent bis(2-methacryloyloxyethyl) disulfide from the arm end produced a SS cross-linked star polymer. The disulfide functionality could be cleaved via reducing reactions, generating individual stars containing SH groups at the chain ends. The transformation between SS cross-linked star and SH-star was reversible via repetitive reduction and oxidation. Dynamic light scattering measurements showed that the average diameter of the cleaved star polymer was around 20 nm. The dynamic mechanical properties of these star copolymers were characterized through examination of the temperature dependencies of their shear moduli. The results showed that SS-functionalized star polymers respond to reduction−oxidation conditions, indicating that the disulfide bonds do cleave and re-form. These stimuli responsive star polymers have potential utility as intelligent polymeric materials such as self-healing materials.
Publication Title
Macromolecules
Volume
43
Issue
9
First Page
4133
Last Page
4139
Recommended Citation
Kamada, J.,
Koynov, K.,
Corten, C.,
Juhari, A.,
Yoon, J. A.,
Urban, M. W.,
Balasz, A. C.,
Matyjaszewski, K.
(2010). Redox Responsive Behavior of Thiol/Disulfide-Functionalized Star Polymers Synthesized via Atom Transfer Radical Polymerization. Macromolecules, 43(9), 4133-4139.
Available at: https://aquila.usm.edu/fac_pubs/12620