Synthesis and characterization of polyrotaxanes comprising α-cyclodextrins and poly(ε-caprolactone) end-capped with poly(N-isopropylacrylamide)s

Biodegradable polyrotaxane (PR)-based triblock copolymers were synthesized via the atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) of N-isopropylacrylamide (NIPAAm) initiated with polypseudorotaxanes (PPRs) consisting of a distal 2-bromopropiomyl bromide end-capping poly(ε-caprolactone) (Br-PCL-Br) and a varying amount of α-cyclodextrins (α-CDs) in the presence of Cu(I)Br/PMDETA at 25 °C in aqueous solution. The copolymers were featured by relatively higher yields from 46.0% to 82.8% as compared with previous reports. Their structure was characterized in detail by using ¹H NMR, ¹³C CP/MAS NMR, GPC, WXRD, DSC and TGA analyses. When a feed molar ratio of NIPAAm to Br-PCL-Br was changed from 50 to 200, the degree of polymerization of PNIPAAm blocks attached to two ends of PPRs was in a range of 158–500. About one third of the added α-CDs were still entrapped on the central PCL chain after the ATRP process. Attaching PNIPAAm rendered the copolymers soluble in aqueous solution showing the thermo-responsibility as evidenced by turbidity measurements.     

Synthesis and characterization of poly(ε-caprolactone)-containing amino acid-based poly(ether ester amide)s

A new family of biodegradable amino acid-based poly(ether ester amide)s (AA-PEEAs) consisting of three building blocks [poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL), L -phenylalanine (Phe), and aliphatic acid dichloride] were synthesized by a solution polycondensation. Using DMA as the solvent, these PCL-containing Phe-PEEA polymers were obtained with fair to very good yields with weight average molecular weight (M_w) ranging from 6.9 kg/mol to 31.0 kg/mol, depending on the original molecular weight of PCL. The chemical structures of the PCL-containing Phe-PEEA polymers were confirmed by IR and NMR spectra. These PCL-containing Phe-PEEAs had lower T_g than most of the oligoethylene glycol (OEG) based AA-PEEAs due to the more molecular flexibility of the PCL block in the backbones, but had higher T_g than non-amino acid based PEEA. The solubility of the PCL-containing Phe-PEEA polymers in a wide range of common organic solvents, such as THF and chloroform, was significantly improved when comparing with aliphatic diol based poly(ester amide)s and OEG based AA-PEEAs. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012     

Synthesis and characterization of polymers from β-propiolactone and poly(ethylene glycol)s

Uncatalysed polymerizations of β-propiolactone with low-molecular-weight poly(ethylene glycol)s were carried out in bulk, at temperatures in the range of 70 to 120°C. ¹H nuclear magnetic resonance (n.m.r.) and differential scanning calorimetry (d.s.c.) measurements on the resulting products indicated a block copolymer structure. Gel permeation chromatography (g.p.c.) and d.s.c. analyses showed that in some cases the copolymerization is accompanied by homopolymerization of β-propiolactone, probably due to the presence of residual water in the poly(ethylene glycol). N.m.r. and infra-red (i.r.) spectra of copolymers revealed the presence of hydroxyl and carboxyl end groups. The copolymerization reaction may be visualized as a two-step process, in which the ring opening of β-propiolactone takes place on both the hydroxyl groups of poly(ethylene glycol), followed by repetitive monomer addition forming an ester-ether-ester triblock copolymer.     

Synthesis and characterization of poly(ester-urethane-imide)s by Diels–Alder polyaddition

Poly(ester-urethane-imide)s were prepared by Diels–Alder polyaddition of 1,6-hexamethylene-bis(2-furanylmethylcarbamate) with various bismaleimides containing ester groups in the backbone. The Diels–Alder reaction was carried out in m-cresol, at 110°C, followed by thermal and chemical aromatization of tetrahydrophthalimide intermediates. The monomers and polymers were characterized by IR, ¹H-NMR spectroscopy and elemental analysis. Thermal properties of the polymers were investigated by differential scanning calorimetry and dynamic thermogravimetric analysis.     

Synthesis and characterization of a novel amphiphilic poly (ethylene glycol)–poly (ε-caprolactone) graft copolymers

A series of amphiphilic graft copolymers PEO-g-PCL with different poly (ε-caprolactone) (PCL) molecular weight were successfully synthesized by a combination of anionic ring-opening polymerization (AROP) and coordination-insertion ring-opening polymerization. The linear PEO was produced by AROP of ethylene oxide (EO) and ethoxyethyl glycidyl ether initiated by 2-(2-methoxyethoxy) ethoxide potassium, and the hydroxyl groups on the backbone were deprotected after hydrolysis. The ring-opening polymerization of CL was initiated using the linear poly (ethylene oxide) (PEO) with hydroxyl group on repeated monomer as macroinitiator and Sn(Oct)₂ as catalyst, then amphiphilic graft copolymers PEO-g-PCL were obtained. By changing the ratio of monomer and macroinitiator, a series of PEO-g-PCL with well-defined structure, molecular weight control, and narrow molecular weight distribution were prepared. The expected intermediates and final products were confirmed by ¹H NMR and GPC analyzes. In addition, these amphiphilic graft copolymers could form spherical aggregates in aqueous solution by self-assemble, which were characterized by transmission electron microscopy, and the critical micelle concentration values of graft copolymers PEO-g-PCL were also examined in this article.     

Synthesis and characterization of (poly (N-vinyl formamide)—pregelled starch—graft copolymer

Bromate / cyclohexanone redox system was investigated as a novel initiator for graft copolymerization of N-vinyl formamide onto pregelled starch. A number of variables in the grafting reaction were investigated including N-vinyl formamide, cyclohexanone, bromate ion, sulphuric acid and pregelled starch concentrations, material to liquor ratio along with polymerization time and temperature. The graft copolymers were evaluated in terms of graft yield, graft reaction efficiency and homopolymer formation (%). The optimum conditions for grafting of N-vinyl formamide onto pregelled starch are: N-vinyl formamide 50% based on weight of substrate, cyclohexanone 15 mmol / l, bromate ion, 30 mmol / l, liquor ratio 10, pH 6, time 120 min., and temperature 40°C. On the other hand, characterizations of the resultant copolymers with respect to swelling capacity, solubility %, metal ion up-take and suitability as a sizing agent for cotton textiles were investigated. The results obtained reflect that, the resultant copolymer shows better results for the aforementioned properties in comparison with that obtained from native pregelled starch as a starting substrate.     

Synthesis and characterization of mid-chain macrophotoinitiator of poly(ε-caprolactone) by combination of ROP and click chemistry

Well-defined mid-chain functional macrophotoinitiator of poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL-PI-PCL) was synthesized by combination of ring-opening polymerization (ROP) and click chemistry strategy. Dibromo functional photoinitiator (Br–PI–Br) was prepared by the condensation of 2-bromopropanoyl bromide with 2-hydroxy-1-[4-(2-hydroxyethoxy)phenyl]-2-methyl propan-1-one (PI). Subsequently, terminal bromo groups in Br–PI–Br were converted to azido groups to form diazido functional photoinitiator (N₃–PI–N₃) using NaN₃. Well-defined precursor alkyne-functionalized PCL (alkyne-PCL) was prepared by ROP of ε-CL in the presence of propargyl alcohol as the initiator and stannous-2-ethylhexanoate (Sn(Oct)2) as the catalyst. Finally, the alkyne-functionalized PCL was coupled with N₃–PI–N₃ with high efficiency by click chemistry. The spectroscopic studies showed that low-polydispersity PCL with desired photoinitiator functionality in the middle of the chain was obtained.     

Synthesis and characterization of magnesium–carbon compounds for hydrogen storage

Magnesium (Mg) and carbon (C) compounds were synthesized by ball-milling a mixture of Mg and different graphites with different crystallinities. The materials were characterized by X-ray diffraction, X-ray absorption spectroscopy, and X-ray total scattering techniques. Hydrogen storage properties were also investigated. In the case of the material using low-crystalline graphite, a Mg and C compound was formed as main phase, and its chemical bonding state was similar to that of magnesium carbide (Mg₂C₃). The hydrogen absorption reaction of the Mg–C compound occurred at around 400 °C under 3 MPa of hydrogen pressure to form magnesium hydride (MgH₂) and the C–H bonds in the carbon material. The hydrogenated Mg–C material desorbed about 3.7 mass% of hydrogen below 420 °C with two processes, which were the decomposition of MgH₂ and the subsequent reaction of the generated Mg and the C–H bonds. From the results, it is concluded that the Mg–C compound absorb and desorb about 3.7 mass% of hydrogen below 420 °C.     

Synthesis and characterization of poly(11-(4′-cyano-trans-4-stilbenyloxy)undecanyl vinyl ether)

Summary Polymers based on 11-(4-cyano-trans-4-stilbenyloxy)undecanyl vinyl ether have been synthesized by living cationic polymerization, photo-initiated cationic polymerization using onium salts and thermal initiated cationic polymerization using onium salts. The polymers have been characterized by size exclusion chromatography, nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry and polarized light microscopy. Living cationic polymerization resulted in a polymer of low molecular mass M_n3 600, with a uniformity index (D) of 1.2 displaying a focal conic texture indicative of smectic A (s_A) phase with preserved cyanogroup and trans-configuration. Photo-initiation using 2,4,6-trimethylbenzoylethoxyphenylphosphine oxide and diphenyliodonium hexafluorophosphate resulted in an insoluble polymer exhibiting only vague liquid crystalline textures. Initiation with phenothiazine and phenacyltetramethylenesulfonium hexafluoroantimonate also yielded a partly insoluble polymer with a disturbed s_A phase. It is suggested that the monomer and polymer are sensitive towards radicals leading to cross-linking and branching. The thermal initiation on systems with -methylbenzyltetramethylenesulfonium hexafluorophosphate and p-methoxybenzyltetramethylenesulfonium hexafluorophosphate resulted in completely soluble mesomorphic polymers of M_n13 000, D=1.7 and M_n26 000, D=2.8 respectively, in both cases with a preserved cyanogroup and a transconfiguration. Polarized light microscopy revealed a distinct focal conic structure indicative of s_A in both cases.     

Synthesis and characterization of 4,4’–(dimethylsilylene) bis( phenyl chloroformate) and 4,4’–(dimethylgermylene)bis(phenyl chloroformate) and their use in the synthesis of poly(urethanes)

Summary The synthesis of 4,4–(dimethylsilylene)bis(phenyl chloroformate) and 4,4–(dimethylgermylene)bis(phenyl chloroformate) is described according to the same route for the synthesis of bisphenol–A bischloroformate. These compounds were characterized using elemental analysis, FT–IR and NMR spectroscopy. Poly(urethanes) derived from these bischlororformates containing silicon or germane in the main chain, were obtained in benzene solution by reaction with 4,4–methylenedianiline in the presence of pyridine. Poly(urethanes) were characterised by spectroscopic methods and the thermal properties (Tg and thermal stability) were compared with the homologue poly(urethane) obtained from bisphenol–A chloroformate.     

Synthesis and characterization of four- and six-arm star-shaped poly(ε-caprolactone)-b-poly(N-vinylcaprolactam): Micellar and core degradation studies

Star-shaped copolymers with four and six poly(ε-caprolactone)-block-poly(N-vinylcaprolactam) (S(PCL-b-PNVCL)) arms were successfully synthesized by combining ring opening polymerization (ROP) of ε-caprolactone (CL) and reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization of N-vinylcaprolactam (NVCL). The resulting star copolymers were characterized using ¹H NMR, GPC and UV–vis. The numbers of arms in the star-shaped PCL-b-PNVCL block copolymers were demonstrated using degradation studies under acidic conditions, and the individual PNVCL chains were characterized by GPC and ¹H NMR. In aqueous solution, star-shaped PCL-b-PNVCL block copolymers self-assembled into large aggregates or micelles with sizes varying from 54 to 300 nm, depending on the molecular weight of the copolymer and the relative lengths of the hydrophobic and hydrophilic segments. Micelles were characterized by atomic force microscopy (AFM), dynamic light scattering (DLS) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM).     

Synthesis and characterization of star-shaped block copolymer of poly-(?-caprolactone) and poly(ethyl ethylene phosphate) as drug carrier

A series of novel 4-arm biodegradable star block copolymers of poly(?-caprolactone) and poly(ethyl ethylene phosphate) were synthesized via ring-opening polymerization of 2-ethoxy-2-oxo-1,3,2-dioxaphospholane using hydroxyl terminated 4-arm star-shaped poly(?-caprolactone) and stannous octoate co-initiation system. Gel permeation chromatography (GPC), NMR and FT-IR were used to demonstrate the structure and analyze their compositions. The self-assembly behavior of these star-shaped copolymers in aqueous solution was studied by ¹H NMR and fluorescence technique, and the results indicated those copolymers formed nanoparticles in aqueous solution with hydrophobic poly(?-caprolactone) core and hydrophilic poly(ethyl ethylene phosphate) shell. The critical micelle concentration was relative to the length of poly(?-caprolactone) and poly(ethyl ethylene phosphate) block. Paclitaxel was encapsulated in the micelles and the release behavior demonstrated that a longer hydrophobic block resulted in slightly slower release rate from the micelles. These copolymer micelles were biocompatible and potential as drug-delivery vehicles for pharmaceutical application.     

Synthesis and characterization of alternating poly(amide urethane)s from ε-caprolactone, diamines and diphenyl carbonate

The synthesis of alternating poly(amide urethane)s 5a-d was performed in three steps using ε-caprolactone, diamines, and diphenyl carbonate as starting materials. The microstructure and nature of the end groups of the poly(amide urethane)s were determined by means of ¹H NMR spectroscopy, which reveals an alternating sequence of amide and urethane linkages in a linear chain with hydroxy and phenyl urethane end groups. The molecular weight and polydispersity of the polymers obtained (, ) were determined by means of gel permeation chromatography. The thermal properties determined by means of DSC show that the poly(amide urethane)s 5a-d are semicrystalline materials having one or two endothermic transitions similar to the poly(amide urethane)s 10a-d prepared from ε-caprolactam, amino alcohols, and diphenyl carbonate. Thermogravimetric analysis of poly(amide urethane)s 5a-b shows a single step decomposition, while poly(amide urethane)s 10a-c decompose in two steps indicating that different degradation mechanisms are operating.     

Synthesis and hydrolysis of β-cyanoethyl ether of poly(vinyl alcohol)

Poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) was cyanoethylated by reaction with acrylonitrile in the presence of sodium hydroxide and quaternary ammonium halide. Quaternary ammonium halide, acting as a phase transfer catalyst, increases the degree of substitution (DS) of PVA. The DS also increased with increasing acrylonitrile concentration. Cyanoethylation of PVA up to 98% can be achieved under optimum conditions. The hydrolysis of β-cyanoethyl ether of PVA (CN–PVA) was studied. The rate of hydrolysis was affected by the sodium hydroxide concentration and the reaction temperature. The rheological properties of aqueous solution of hydrolysis product of CN–PVA were determined at different temperatures, and the flow activation energy was calculated. © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 73: 2771–2777, 1999     

Synthesis and characterization of optically active helical poly(α, β-unsaturated ketone) with bulky pendant of binaphthyl

The synthesis and chiroptical properties of a novel optically active helical polymers, poly[(S)-6-acryloyl-2,2′-bisalkoxy-1,1′-binaphthyl] (poly-3), were reported. All the monomers readily underwent anionic polymerization to yield the polymers displaying optical rotations and Cotton effects in the UV–vis absorption region of side groups distinct to monomers (3) and the corresponding model compounds such as (S)-6-propionyl-2,2′-bisalkoxy-1,1′-binaphthyl (4) and (S)-6-heptanoyl-2,2′-bisalkoxy-1,1′-binaphthyl (5), implying the formation of main-chain chirality, most probable helicity. Their helical conformations were quite stable as revealed by the almost unchanged chiroptical properties measured at different temperatures.     

Synthesis and characterization of a novel graft copolymer with poly(n-octylallene-co-styrene) backbone and poly(?-caprolactone) side chain

A novel graft copolymer consisting of poly(n-octylallene-co-styrene) (PALST) as backbone and poly(?-caprolactone) (PCL) as side chains was synthesized with the combination of coordination copolymerization of n-octylallene and styrene and the ring-opening polymerization (ROP) of ?-caprolactone. Poly(n-octylallene-co-styrene) (PALST) backbone was prepared from the copolymerization of n-octylallene and styrene with high yield by using the coordination catalyst system composed of bis[N,N-(3,5-di-tert-butylsalicylidene)anilinato]titanium(IV) dichloride (Ti(Salen)₂Cl₂) and tri-isobutyl aluminum(Al(i-Bu)₃). The molar ratio of each segment in the copolymer, and the molecular weight of the copolymer as well as the microstructure of the copolymer could be adjusted by varying the feeding ratio of both styrene and n-octylallene. The hydroxyl functionalized copolymer PALST-OH was prepared by the reaction of mercaptoethanol with the pendant double bond of PALST in the presence of radical initiator azobisisbutyronitrile (AIBN). The target graft copolymer [poly(n-octylallene-co-styrene)-g-polycaprolactone] (PALST-g-PCL) was synthesized through a grafting-from strategy via the ring-opening polymerization using PALST-OH as macroinitiator and Sn(Oct)₂ as catalyst. Structures of resulting copolymer were characterized by means of gel permeation chromatography (GPC) with multi-angle laser light scattering (MALLS), ¹³C NMR, ¹H NMR, DSC, polarized optical microscope (POM) and contact angle measurements.     

Reactive ladder-like poly(p-decyl anilino)silsesquioxane for functional material’s precursor: Synthesis,characterization and functionalization

A well-defined polysilsesquioxane with reactive Si–N bonds, poly(p-decyl anilino)silsesquioxane (PASQ), was successfully prepared using supramolecular template polymerization. The monomers 1,3-bis-(p-decyl anilino)-1,1,3,3-tetrachloro-disiloxanes first self-assembled into ladder superstructures (LSs) primarily through the synergistic interactions of hydrogen bonding and the van der Waals interactions, and then polymerized by adding water and triethylamine to produce a well-defined PASQ. The LSs was fully characterized using vapor pressure osmometry (VPO), UV–vis spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction (XRD). NMR and XRD measurements revealed that the PASQ was a ladder polymer. The reactivity of PASQ was confirmed by its SiN bond reacting with trimethylsilanol to form a ladder-like trimethylsiloxysilicate (LMQ). The ladder structure of LMQ was also thoroughly characterized, which further verified the ladder structural regularity of PASQ.     

Synthesis and characterization of amphiphilic poly(ɛ-caprolactone)-b-polyphosphoester diblock copolymers bearing multifunctional pendant groups

A series of parent block copolyesters poly(?-caprolactone)-block-poly[2-(2-oxo-1, 3, 2-dioxaphospholoyloxy)ethyl acrylate] (PCL-b-POPEA) with different block lengths have been synthesized by ring-opening polymerization (ROP) and four kinds of mercaptans were then used in the postpolymerization modification via Michael-type addition reaction, resulting in several block copolyesters with various functionalities (e.g., hydroxyl, carboxyl, amine, and amino acid) in their pendant groups. The chemical structures of these block copolymers were characterized by FT-IR, NMR spectroscopy and GPC analysis. The self-assembly behaviors of PCL-b-POPEA have been studied by fluorescence probe technique, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and high-performance particle size (HPPS) instrument. In vitro cytotoxicity test indicated that the block copolymers possess good biocompatibility. Initial in vitro drug loading and release studies using Doxorubicin (DOX) as a model drug demonstrated a faster release in the presence of phosphodiesterase I as compared to the system without enzyme. Moreover, it was found that DOX-loaded nanoparticles displayed higher inhibition to KB cell proliferation in comparison with free DOX. Therefore, the combination of ROP and Michael-type addition reaction provides a general access to various types of multifunctional and biodegradable materials.     

Preparation and characterization of aluminum oxide–poly(ethylene-co-butyl acrylate) nanocomposites

This article describes the preparation and characterization of composites containing poly(ethylene-co-butyl acrylate) (EBA–13 and EBA–28 with 13 and 28 wt % butyl acrylate, respectively) and 2–12 wt % (0.5–3 vol %) of aluminum oxide nanoparticles (two types differing in specific surface area and hydroxyl-group concentration; uncoated and coated with, respectively, octyltriethoxysilane and aminopropyltriethoxysilane). A greater surface coverage was obtained with aminopropyltriethoxysilane than with octyltriethoxysilane. An overall good dispersion was obtained in the EBA-13 composites prepared by extrusion compounding. Composites with octyltriethoxysilane-coated nanoparticles showed the best dispersion. The addition of the nanoparticles to EBA–28 resulted in poor dispersion, probably due to insufficiently high shear forces acting during extrusion mixing which were unable to break down nanoparticle agglomerates. The nanoparticles had no effect on the crystallization kinetics in the EBA–13 composites, but in the EBA–28 composites the presence of the nanoparticles led to an increase in the crystallization peak temperature, suggesting that the nanoparticles had a nucleating effect in this particular polymer. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012