Synthesis of poly(styrene-co-diene)-block-polyglycidol. Self-association and stabilization of aggregates

Abstract

A series of amphiphilic poly(styrene(S)-co-diene(D))-b-polyglycidol(G) block copolymers have been synthesized from a parent hydrophobic PS block. The block has been previously functionalized with double bonds of randomly distributed diene units (isoprene (I) or butadiene (B)). Hydrophilic PG blocks of different lengths have been introduced into the above prepolymers. Polymer aggregates of different size and shape have been obtained by dissolving the copolymers in organic and mixed organic/water solutions. The formation of nano- and microsized particles has been revealed by light scattering and microscopic studies. A protocol for preparation of aggregates of a tailored core/shell structure has been demonstrated. Stabilization of particles of the desired morphology with ongoing participation of double bonds in the diene units has been achieved by irradiation with UV light directly in solution.