Synthesis and characterization multi-block copolymer PGMA-PBMA-PDMS-PBMA-PGMA by ATRP

In this paper, multi-block copolymer PGMA-PBMA-PDMS-PBMA-PGMA containing reactivity epoxy group was prepared by atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) method. The copolymer is synthesized by using polydimethylsiloxane molecules (Br-PDMS-Br) ended with functional groups as an initiator, cuprous chloride (CuCl) as a catalyst, 2, 2'-bipyridine (bpy) as a ligand, methacrylate butyl ester (BMA) and glycidyl methacrylate (GMA) as monomers. Its molecular weight, molecular structure, morphology and thermal stability were identified by gel permeation chromatography (GPC), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), (hydrogen) nuclear magnetic resonance (1H-NMR), atomic force microscopy (AFM) and thermal gravimetric analysis (TG). The results show that molecular weight of the multi-block copolymer can be well controlled, polydispersity of the polymer is as low as 1.14 to 1.40. Microphase ordered nanostructure is formed of which the particle size is 100 nm~2 μm. Compatibility of the components and thermal stability of the multipolymer are great. Low decomposition temperature is 270°C, high decomposition temperature is 480°C.