Multi-arm star-branched polyisobutylene ionomers

A series of multi-arm star-branched polyisobutylenes was synthesized via living carbocationic polymerization. Arms with molecular weights ranging from 10,000 to 30,000 g/mol were prepared using the cumyl chloride/TiCl₄/pyridine initiation system in 60/40 (v/v) hexane/methyl chloride at − 80 °C and linked by sequential addition of divinylbenzene. The weight average number of arms per star polymer, N _w, scaled inversely with arm molecular weight and ranged from 32 to 5. Star-telechelic ionomers were produced by sulfonation of the aromatic initiator residue at the end of each arm, followed by neutralization. Sulfonation was quantitative as indicated by acid-base titration. Potassium ionomers were elastic solids which were marginally soluble in THF; the precursors were tacky and freely soluble in THF. Ionic modification did not alter the glass transition temperature (− 66 °C), but the thermal decomposition temperature in N₂ was increased from 375 to 400 °C. Received: 25 July 1997/Accepted: 27 August 1997