Synthesis,characterization, and properties of two‐component amphiphilic polyoxyethylene–containing multiblock copolymers

Amphiphilic (oxyethylene–oxypropylene) and (oxyethylene–styrene) multiblock copolymers, both with high molecular weights, were synthesized by coupling poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) with poly(propylene glycol) (PPG) or with telechelic dihydroxy polystyrene using 2,4‐toluene diisocyanate as a coupling agent, respectively. The polymerization conditions were investigated. The products were purified and characterized by IR, ¹H‐NMR spectroscopy, and membrane osmometry and identified as multiblock copolymers. Crystallinity of the two kinds of multiblock copolymers was determined by DSC. They showed good emulsifying properties. Their complexes with LiClO₄ showed high room‐temperature conductivities from 3 × 10^?5 to 4 × 10^?4 S/cm at 30°C. High molecular weight (oxyethylene–oxypropylene) multiblock copolymers, at a weight ratio of PEG/PPG = 6/4, behave like thermoplastic elastomers. The (oxyethylene–styrene) copolymer functions as a good compatibilizer for the blend of chlorohydrin rubber and polystyrene. An amount of only 3 wt %, based on the blend, is needed to increase the tensile strength of the blend almost sixfold. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 95: 1295–1301, 2005