Cyclopolymerization protocol for the synthesis of a poly(zwitterion‐alt‐sulfur dioxide) to investigate the polyzwitterion‐to‐poly(anion‐zwitterion) transition

The zwitterionic monomer, 3‐(N,N‐diallyl,N‐carboethoxymethylammonio)propanesulfonate, on cocyclopolymerization with sulfur dioxide in DMSO using azoisobutyronitrile as the initiator afforded the polyzwitterion (PZ) copolymer in excellent yields. The PZ on acidic hydrolysis of the ester groups led to the corresponding polyzwitterionic acid (PZA). The pH‐responsive PZA on treatment with sodium hydroxide gave the new poly(eletrolyte‐zwitterion) (PEZ). The solubility, viscosity behaviors, and solution properties of the salt‐tolerant PZ, PZA, and PEZ were studied in detail. Like common PZs, PZ was found to be insoluble in salt‐free but soluble in salt‐added water. The apparent basicity constants of the carboxyl group in PEZ have been determined. As the name implies, the PEZ possesses dual type of structural feature common to both conventional anionic polyelectrolytes and PZs, and its aqueous solution behavior is found to be similar to that observed for a typical alternating anionic‐zwitterionic copolymer. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013     

Thermoresponsive and biocompatible poly(vinyl alcohol)‐graft‐poly(N,N‐diethylacrylamide) copolymer: Microwave‐assisted synthesis,characterization, and swelling behavior

Novel thermoresponsive poly(vinyl alcohol)‐graft‐poly(N,N‐diethylacrylamide) (PVA‐g‐PDEAAm) copolymers were prepared by microwave‐assisted graft copolymerization using a potassium persulfate/N,N,N′,N′‐tetramethylethylenediamine (KPS/TEMED) initiator system. The structures of PVA‐g‐PDEAAm copolymers were characterized by ¹H‐NMR, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry/thermogravimetric analysis, gel permeation chromatography, X‐ray diffraction, and scanning electron microscopy. The effects of various process parameters on grafting were systematically studied: microwave power, KPS, monomer and PVA concentrations, and ultraviolet irradiation. Under optimal conditions, the maximum grafting percent and graft efficiency were 101% and 93%, respectively. Furthermore, a lower critical temperature of copolymers was measured in the range 29–31 °C by ultraviolet spectroscopy. The swelling behavior of graft membranes was carried out at various temperatures, and the results showed that the swelling behavior of membranes was dependent on the temperature. In vitro cell culture studies using L929 fibroblast cells confirmed cell compatibility with the PVA‐g‐PDEAAm copolymer and its membrane, making them an attractive candidate for drug delivery systems. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018 , 135, 45969.     

Thermoresponsive poly(γ‐propyl‐l‐glutamate)‐graft‐(oligo ethylene glycol)s: Synthesis,characterization, and properties

A series of thermoresponsive poly(γ‐propyl‐_L‐glutamate)‐graft‐(oligo ethylene glycol)s (PPLG‐g‐OEGs) with different main‐chain and side‐chain lengths have been synthesized via copper‐mediated alkyne‐azide 1,3‐dipolar cycloaddition between poly(γ‐azidopropyl‐_L‐glutamate)s (PAPLG) and propargyl terminated oligo ethylene glycols (Pr‐OEGs). Fourier transform infrared spectrometer analysis revealed that PAPLG₁₀ adopted 39.4% β‐sheet, 47.4% α‐helix, and 13.2% random coil while PAPLG with longer main‐chain length (DP = 37 and 88) and PPLG‐g‐OEGs adopted exclusive α‐helix in the solid state. Circular dichroism analysis revealed that PPLG‐g‐OEGs adopted α‐helical conformations with helicities in the range of 50～100%. The thermoresponsive behaviors of PPLG‐g‐OEGs in water have been studied by dynamic light scattering. The polymer concentration, main‐/side‐chain length, and helicity collectively affected their cloud point temperatures. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014 , 131, 41022.     

Improved swelling–deswelling behavior of poly(N‐isopropyl acrylamide) gels with poly(N,N′‐dimethyl aminoethyl methacrylate) grafts

Thermoresponsive and pH‐responsive gels were synthesized from N‐isopropyl acrylamide (NIPA) and N,N′‐dimethyl aminoethyl methacrylate (DMAEMA) monomers. Gelation reactions were carried out with both conventional free‐radical polymerization (CFRP) and controlled free‐radical polymerization [reversible addition fragmentation transfer (RAFT)] techniques. The CFRP gels were prepared by polymerizing mixtures of NIPA and DMAEMA in 1,4‐dioxane in presence of N,N'‐methylene bisacrylamide (BIS) as cross‐linker. The RAFT gels were prepared by a the polymerization of NIPA via a similar process in the presence of different amounts of poly(N,N′‐dimethyl aminoethyl methacrylate) macro chain‐transfer agent and the crosslinker. These gels were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and differential scanning calorimetry. SEM analysis revealed a macroporous network structure for the RAFT gels, whereas their volume phase‐transition temperatures (VPTTs) were found to be in the range 32–34°C, close to that of poly(N‐isopropyl acrylamide) gels. However, the CFRP copolymer gels exhibited a higher VPTT; this increased with increasing DMAEMA content. The RAFT gels exhibited higher swelling capabilities than the corresponding CFRP gels and also showed faster shrinking–reswelling behavior in response to changes in temperature. All of the gels showed interesting pH‐responsive behavior as well. The unique structural attributes exhibited by the RAFT gels can potentially open up opportunities for developing new materials for various applications, for example, as adsorbents or carrier of drugs or biomolecules. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015 , 132, 42749.     

Study on the molecular behavior of hydrophobically modified poly(acrylic acid) in aqueous solution and its emulsion‐stabilizing capacity

In this article, molecular conformation and aggregation behavior of partly hydrophobically modified poly(acrylic acid) (HMPAA) in aqueous solution has been studied by mesoscale simulation approach dissipative particle dynamics for the purpose to find out how the chemical structure and environmental conditions effect its capacity. It has been found that, as a kind of pH‐sensitive polymer, the chemical structure variation of HMPAA carried by adjusting pH and grafting degree influence the taking place of intermolecular and intramolecular associations, which induced the formation of molecular network and help to maintain high bulk phase viscosity of its aqueous solution in larger pH range or under higher salinity comparing with PAA. There exists an optimum grafting degree, above which the increase of the possibility of the intramolecular associations enhance the coiling of the polymer chain and result in destroy of the network. The experimental determination of properties of aqueous solutions of poly(acrylic acid) (U10) and poly alkyl acrylate (U20), such as the bulk phase viscosity and oil/water interface tension, accord well with the molecular simulation conclusion, by which the mechanisms of elevated stability of surfactant‐free O/W emulsion stabilized by the HMPAA comparing with PAA has been discussed. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013     

Synthesis and characterization of poly(4‐diphenylaminostyrene)‐Poly(9‐vinylanthracene) binary block copolymer

Block copolymerization of plural types of monomers offers a new opportunity for the preparation of a variety of multifunctional polymers. Poly(4‐diphenylaminostyrene) (PDAS)‐poly(9‐vinylanthracene) (PVAN) binary block copolymer (PDAS‐PVAN) was synthesized by (living) anionic polymerization using the benzyllithium/N,N,N′,N′‐tetramethylethylenediamine system. The photoluminescence emission of PDAS‐PVAN was enhanced by the fluorescence resonance energy transfer from PDAS block to PVAN block in PDAS‐PVAN. The hole drift mobility of the copolymer was controllable by the amount of triphenylamino groups in the polymer chain. The optical and electrical properties of PDAS‐PVAN were adjustable through the polymer chain structure. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010     

Electrolyte‐ and pH‐responsive polyampholytes with potential as viscosity‐control agents in enhanced petroleum recovery

Low‐charge‐density amphoteric copolymers and terpolymers composed of AM, the cationic comonomer (3‐acrylamidopropyl)trimethyl ammonium chloride, and amino acid derived monomers (e.g., N‐acryloyl valine, N‐acryloyl alanine, and N‐acryloyl aspartate) have been prepared via free‐radical polymerization in aqueous media. These terpolymers with random charge distributions have been compared to terpolymers of like compositions containing the anionic comonomer sodium 3‐acrylamido‐3‐methylbutanoate. Terpolymer compositions determined by ¹³C‐ and ¹H‐NMR spectroscopy, terpolymer molecular weights and polydispersity indices obtained via size exclusion chromatography/multi‐angle laser light scattering, and hydrodynamic dimensions determined via dynamic light scattering have allowed a direct comparison of the fundamental parameters affecting the behavioral characteristics. The solution properties of low‐charge‐density amphoteric copolymers and terpolymers have been studied as functions of the solution pH, ionic strength, and polymer concentration. The low‐charge‐density terpolymers display excellent solubility in deionized water with no phase separation. The charge‐balanced terpolymers exhibit antipolyelectrolyte behavior at pH values greater than or equal to 6.5 ± 0.2. As the solution pH decreases, these charge‐balanced terpolymers become increasingly cationic because of the protonation of the anionic repeat units. The aqueous solution behavior (i.e., globule‐ to‐coil transition at the isoelectric point in the presence of salt and globule elongation with increasing charge asymmetry) of the terpolymers in the dilute regime correlates well with that predicted by the polyampholyte solution theories. An examination of the comonomer charge density, hydrogen‐bonding ability, and spacer group (e.g., the moiety separating the ionic group from the polymer chain) indicates that conformational restrictions of the sodium 3‐acrylamido‐3‐methylbutanoate and N‐acryloyl valine segments result in increased chain stiffness and higher solution viscosities in deionized water and brine solutions. On the other hand, the terpolymers with N‐acryloyl alanine and N‐acryloyl aspartate segments are more responsive to changes in the salt concentration. An assessment of the effects of the terpolymer structure on the viscosity under specified conditions of the ionic strength and pH from these studies should allow for rational design of optimized systems for enhanced petroleum recovery. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2007.     

Poly(ε‐caprolactone)‐graft‐poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide) amphiphilic copolymers prepared by a combination of ring‐opening polymerization and atom transfer radical polymerization: Synthesis,self‐assembly,and thermoresponsive property

Thermoresponsive graft copolymers of ε‐caprolactone and N‐isopropylacrylamide were synthesized by a combination of ring‐opening polymerization and the sequential atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP). The copolymer composition, chemical structure, and the self‐assembled structure were characterized. The graft length and density of the copolymers were well controlled by varying the feed ratio of monomer to initiator and the fraction of chlorides along PCL backbone, which is acting as the macroinitiator for ATRP. In aqueous solution, PCL‐g‐PNIPAAm can assemble into the spherical micelles which comprise of the biodegradable hydrophobic PCL core and thermoresponsive hydrophilic PNIPAAm corona. The critical micelle concentrations of PCL‐g‐PNIPAAm were determined under the range of 6.4–23.4 mg/L, which increases with the PNIPAAm content increasing. The mean hydrodynamic diameters of PCL‐g‐PNIPAAm micelles depend strongly on the graft length and density of the PNIPAAm segment, allowing to tune the particle size within a wide range. Additionally, the PCL‐g‐PNIPAAm micelles exhibit thermosensitive properties and aggregate when the temperature is above the lower critical solution temperature. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014 , 131, 41115.     

pH and thermo‐responsive poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide) copolymer grafted to poly(ethylene glycol)

pH and thermo‐responsive graft copolymers are reported where thermo‐responsive poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide) [poly(NIPAAm), poly A ], poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide‐co‐2‐(diethylamino) ethyl methacrylate) [poly(NIPAAm‐co‐DEA), poly B ], and poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide‐co‐methacrylic acid) [poly(NIPAAm‐co‐MAA), poly C ] have been installed to benzaldehyde grafted polyethylene glycol (PEG) back bone following introducing a pH responsive benzoic‐imine bond. All the prepared graft copolymers for PEG‐g‐poly(NIPAAm) [ P‐N1 ], PEG‐g‐poly(NIPAAm‐co‐DEA) [ P‐N2 ], and PEG‐g‐poly(NIPAAm‐co‐MAA) [ P‐N3 ] were characterized by ¹H‐NMR to assure the successful synthesis of the expected polymers. Molecular weight of all synthesized polymers was evaluated following gel permeation chromatography. The lower critical solution temperature of graft copolymers varied significantly when grafted to benzaldehyde containing PEG and after further functionalization of copolymer based poly(NIPAAm). The contact angle experiment showed the changes in hydrophilic/hydrophobic behavior when the polymers were exposed to different pH and temperature. Particle size measurement investigation by dynamic light scattering was performed to rectify thermo and pH responsiveness of all prepared polymers. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013     

Shape‐memory behaviors of biodegradable poly(L‐lactide‐co‐ϵ‐caprolactone) copolymers

A series of biodegradable poly(L ‐lactide‐co‐?‐caprolactone) (PCLA) copolymers with different chemical compositions are synthesized and characterized. The mechanical properties and shape‐memory behaviors of PCLA copolymers are studied. The mechanical properties are significantly affected by the copolymer compositions. With the ?‐caprolactone (?‐CL) content increasing, the tensile strength of copolymers decreases linearly and the elongation at break increases gradually. By means of adjusting the compositions, the copolymers exhibit excellent shape‐memory effects with shape‐recovery and shape‐retention rate exceeding 95%. The effects of composition, deformation strain, and the stretching conditions on the recovery stress are also investigated systematically. A maximum recovery stress around 6.2 MPa can be obtained at stretching at T_g ? 15°C to 200% deformation strain for the PCLA70 copolymer. The degradation results show that the copolymers with higher ?‐CL content have faster degradation rates and shape‐recovery rates, meanwhile, the recovery stress can maintain a relative high value after 30 days in vitro degradation. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008     

Covalent immobilization of trypsin onto thermo‐sensitive poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide‐co‐acrylic acid) microspheres with high activity and stability

Poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide‐co‐acrylic acid) (P(NIPAM‐co‐AA)) microspheres with a high copolymerized AA content were fabricated using rapid membrane emulsification technique. The uniform size, good hydrophilicity, and thermo sensitivity of the microspheres were favorable for trypsin immobilization. Trypsin molecules were immobilized onto the microspheres surfaces by covalent attachment. The effects of various parameters such as immobilization pH value, enzyme concentration, concentration of buffer solution, and immobilization time on protein loading amount and enzyme activity were systematically investigated. Under the optimum conditions, the protein loading was 493 ± 20 mg g^?1 and the activity yield of immobilized trypsin was 155% ± 3%. The maximum activity (V_max) and Michaelis constant (K_m) of immobilized enzyme were found to be 0.74 μM s^?1 and 0.54 mM, respectively. The immobilized trypsin showed better thermal and storage stability than the free trypsin. The enzyme‐immobilized microspheres with high protein loading amount still can show a thermo reversible phase transition behavior. The research could provide a strategy to immobilize enzyme for application in proteomics. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016 , 133, 43343.     

Partially constrained recovery of (meth)acrylate shape‐memory polymer networks

The purpose of this study was to characterize the partial strain recovery of a thermoset shape‐memory polymer under a constraining stress. Three polymer networks were synthesized from tert‐butyl acrylate and poly(ethylene glycol) dimethacrylate (PEGDMA) solutions. The molecular weight and the weight fraction of the PEGDMA crosslinking monomer was altered systematically to maintain a constant glass transition temperature (T_g = 54°C) but tailorable rubbery moduli, which varied by almost an order of magnitude for the three polymer networks (E = 1.8–11.3°MPa). The shape‐recovery behavior of the polymers under a constraining stress was characterized for programming temperature below (20°C) and above (70°C) the T_g. The experiments revealed a peak in the recovered strain for samples programmed at 20°C. Recovered strain scaled linearly with the constraining stress by the rubbery modulus. The work performed by the shape‐memory polymer networks was observed to be primarily a function of constraining stress and crosslinking density, while programming temperature had a relatively mild influence; however, the efficiency of the shape‐memory effect was shown to be a function of constraining stress and programming temperature, but was independent of crosslinking density. Maximum work efficiencies (up to 45%) were observed for programming temperature of 70°C. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012     

Effect of the crosslinking density and programming temperature on the shape fixity and shape recovery in epoxy–anhydride shape‐memory polymers

In addition to the fabrication of thermoset epoxy–anhydride shape‐memory polymers (SMPs), a systematic experimental investigation was conducted to characterize the crosslinking density, micromorphology, thermal properties, mechanical properties, and shape‐memory effects in the epoxy SMP system, with a focus on the influence of the crosslinking density and programming temperature on the shape‐fixity and shape‐recovery behaviors of the polymers. On the basis of the crosslinking density information determined by NMR technology, we concluded that the effect of the crosslinking density on the shape‐fixity behaviors was dependent on the programming temperature. The advantage of a nice combination of crosslinking density and programming temperature provided an effective approach to tailor the actual shape recovery within a wide range. The increasing crosslinking density significantly improved the shape‐recovery ratio, which could be further improved through a decrease in the programming, whereas the crosslinking density was more fundamental. This exploration should play an important role in the fabrication and applications of SMP materials. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014 , 131, 40559.     

Poly[ethylene‐co‐(methacrylic acid)] Healing Agents for Mendable Carbon Fiber Laminates

The first reported use of two‐dimensional mesh thermoplastic fibers in an epoxy matrix for mendable composites is presented, yielding 100% restoration of G_IC, failure energy, and peak loads over repeated damage‐healing cycles. SEM imaging and EDS mapping showed different surface structures between CFRP_p and CFRP_f and confirmed strength recoveries were attained by delivery of EMAA to the fracture plane which enabled the fractured surfaces to rebind after heating to 150 °C for 30 min.

     

Shape memory properties of olefin block copolymer (OBC)/poly(ɛ‐caprolactone) (PCL) blends

Conventionally, the chemically crosslinked shape memory polymer (SMP) blends are hard to recycle due to their network structure. Herein, the environmental SMP blends of olefin block copolymer (OBC), a unique thermoplastic elastomer, and poly(?‐caprolactone) (PCL) were physically crosslinked. Dicumyl peroxide was used as the compatibilizer to improve their miscibility, as evidenced by the reduced dispersed domain size of PCL in the OBC matrix and the increased complex viscosity. The peroxide modified OBC/PCL blend conferred enhanced tensile properties, increased dynamic storage modulus, increased crystallization temperature, and higher recovery stress. The shape memory behaviors of OBC/PCL blends predeformed under two different predeformation temperatures (30 and 65 °C) were investigated. The recovery stress showed respective maximum peak values corresponding to their predeformation temperatures. In addition, the modified blends gave the better shape memory performance at 65 °C. Besides the peroxide modification approach, a precycle training process via prestretching the samples and reducing the mechanical hysteresis was implemented to improve shape memory performance further. This is the first work on the OBC‐based SMP blends to enhance shape memory performance by combining the chemical modification using added peroxide compatibilizer and the process modification using a precycle training process. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017 , 134 , 45475.     

Autonomic self‐healing of poly(vinyl butyral)

The self‐healing behavior of poly(vinyl butyral) (PVB) is evaluated below the glass transition temperature T_g. It is found that PVB shows autonomic self‐healing even at room temperature, although T_g is around at 76°C. Furthermore, a large amount of water is found to be adsorbed on the surface of the film. This is attributed to the surface localization of hydroxyl group in PVB, which is confirmed by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Since the surface is plasticized by water, the scar applied by a razor blade is healed even in the glassy state of the bulk. Moreover, the healing efficiency is enhanced at high humidity condition, owing to the pronounced plasticizing effect by water. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015 , 132, 42008.     

Effect of Crosslinker Length and Composition on the Hydrophobicity and Thermomechanical Response of Acrylate‐Based Shape‐Memory Polymers

Chemical and mechanical experiments are reported to elucidate the macroscopic effects of crosslinker length and composition on the thermomechanical response of acrylate‐based SMPs. To this end, EGA‐based formulations underwent a battery of basic tests which revealed that by increasing crosslinker chain length, polymer T_g can be decreased but there will be increases in compliance, step recoverability, and damping in a glassy state. Addition of methacrylate groups can cause increases in swelling, T_g, storage modulus in shorter chains, and greater damping at a rubbery state. All tested polymers exhibited mild hydrophilicity. PEGDA formulations exhibited good recoverability and could be an option for vascular applications.

     

Thermosensitive self‐assembly micelles from A2BA2‐type poly(N‐isopropyl acrylamide)2‐b‐Poly(lactic acid)‐b‐Poly(N‐isopropyl acrylamide)2 four‐armed star block copolymers and their applications as drug carriers

A novel A₂BA₂‐type thermosensitive four‐armed star block copolymer, poly(N‐isopropyl acrylamide)₂‐b‐poly(lactic acid)‐b‐poly(N‐isopropyl acrylamide)₂, was synthesized by atom transfer radical polymerization and characterized by ¹H‐NMR, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and size exclusion chromatography. The copolymers can self‐assemble into nanoscale spherical core–shell micelles. Dynamic light scattering, surface tension, and ultraviolet–visible determination revealed that the micelles had hydrodynamic diameters (D_h) below 200 nm, critical micelle concentrations from 50 to 55 mg/L, ζ potentials from ?7 to ?19 mV, and cloud points (CPs) of 34–36°C, depending on the [Monomer]/[Macroinitiator] ratios. The CPs and ζ potential absolute values were slightly decreased in simulated physiological media, whereas D_h increased somewhat. The hydrophobic camptothecin (CPT) was entrapped in polymer micelles to investigate the thermo‐induced drug release. The stability of the CPT‐loaded micelles was evaluated by changes in the CPT contents loaded in the micelles and micellar sizes. The MTT cell viability was used to validate the biocompatibility of the developed copolymer micelle aggregates. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 130: 4137–4146, 2013     

Epoxidized poly(N‐isopropyl acrylamide)‐b‐epoHTPB‐b‐poly(N‐isopropyl acrylamide) triblock copolymer micelle nanoparticles for 10‐hydroxycamptothecin drug release

Thermoresponsive poly(N‐isopropyl acrylamide) (PNIPAM)‐block‐hydroxy‐terminated polybutadine‐block‐PNIPAM triblock copolymers were synthesized by atom transfer radical polymerization; this was followed by the in situ epoxidation reaction of peracetic acid. The copolymers were characterized by ¹H‐NMR, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and size exclusion chromatography measurements, and their physicochemical properties in aqueous solution were investigated by surface tension measurement, fluorescent spectrometry, ultraviolet–visible transmittance, transmission electron microscopy observations, dynamic light scattering, and so on. The experimental results indicate that the epoxidized copolymer micelle aggregates retained a spherical core–shell micelle structure similar to the control sample. However, they possessed a decreased critical aggregate concentration (CAC), increased hydrodynamic diameters, and a high aggregation number and cloud point because of the incorporation of epoxy groups and so on. In particular, the epoxidized copolymer micelles assumed an improved loading capacity and entrapment efficiency of the drug, a preferable drug‐release profiles without an initial burst release, and a low cytotoxicity. Therefore, they were more suitable for the loading and delivery of the hydrophobic drug as a controlled release drug carrier. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015 , 132, 41877.     

Preparation and aqueous solution behavior of a ph‐responsive branched copolymer based on 2‐(diethylamino)ethyl methacrylate

pH‐Responsive amphiphilic branched copolymers were prepared from poly(ethylene glycol) methyl ether methacrylate (PEGMA), 2‐(diethylamino)ethyl methacrylate (DEAEMA), 2‐(tert‐butylamino)ethyl methacrylate (tBAEMA), and ethylene glycol dimethacrylate (EGDMA) utilizing a thiol‐modified free radical polymerization. The molecular structures of copolymers were confirmed by proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (¹H NMR) and triple‐detection gel permeation chromatography (tri‐GPC). The aqueous solution behaviors of the obtained copolymers were investigated by dynamic light scattering (DLS). The DLS data showed that about 16 nm polymer particles comprising of hydrophobic poly(tert‐butylamino)ethyl methacrylate (PtBAEMA) and poly(diethylaminoethyl methacrylate (PDEAEMA) core, hydrophilic PEGMA corona were formed above pH 8. With the decrease of pH from 8 to 6, a dramatic increase in the hydrodynamic radius of polymer particles from 16 nm to 130 nm was observed resulting from the protonation of the PDEAEMA segment. Moreover, in vitro drug release behaviors of the resulting polymer assemblies at different pH values were also investigated to evaluate their potential as sustained release drug carriers. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015 , 132, 42183.