| Abstract: | Triblock copolymers of hexamethyl cyclotrisiloxane (D3) and styrene were synthesized by first preparing “living” species of polystyrene dianion followed by polymerization of D3. The chain lenght of polymeric blocks could be controlled in a predictable fashion leading to a central hard block of polystyrene and the two end segments of amorphous polydimethylsiloxane having narrow molecular weight distribution, were characterized by gel permeation chromatography. The chemical composition of block copolymers was determined by silicon analysis and infrared and nuclear magnetic resonance spectra. Thermal aging of block copolymers at 150, 200, and 300°C was also discussed. |
