A facile strategy for the functionalization of poly[cyclotriphosphazene‐co‐(4,4′‐sulfonyldiphenol)] materials

Recently, a new type of phosphazene‐containing material, polycyclotriphosphazene‐co‐(4,4′‐sulfonyldiphenol)] (PZS), was successfully prepared. PZS materials including PZS nanotubes, PZS nanofibers and PZS microspheres show excellent thermal stability, biocompatibility and biodegradability. Moreover, PZS‐containing materials such as silver nanowire/PZS, carbon nanotube/PZS and Fe₃O₄/PZS nanotubes have also been prepared. Therefore, we explored a specific method for the functionalization of these PZS and PZS‐containing materials to expand their scope of application. As a model of various PZS and PZS‐containing materials, PZS microspheres (PZSMs) were functionalized via surface‐initiated atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP). Polymerization of styrene occurred at surface sites covalently derivatized with ATRP initiators to form PZSM–polystyrene. The number‐average molecular weight (M_n) of grafted polymer chains could be well controlled. Furthermore, PZSM–polystyrene was still active for further block copolymerization of methyl methacrylate. Both styrene‐ and acrylate‐type monomers could be directly polymerized or block copolymerized from the surface of PZS and PZS‐containing materials using surface‐initiated ATRP. M_n of grafted polymer chains could be well controlled. This facile strategy could pave the way for a wider range of applications of these materials. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry