Issue 45, 2020

Core hyper-cross-linked star polymers from block polymer micelle precursors

Abstract

This study explores hyper-cross-linking of the cores of block copolymer micelles as a means to generate star polymers with a hyper-cross-linked core surrounded by linear corona arms. A solution of poly(methyl methacrylate)-b-polystyrene (MS) was prepared in acetonitrile to form micelles which were reacted with α,α′-dichloro-p-xylene in the presence of FeCl3 to produce core hyper-cross-linked star (CHS) polymers by selective cross-linking of the PS core. A kinetic investigation showed formation of high-molar mass species (>104 kg mol−1) within 1 h of reaction, which supported conversion of individual MS micelles into CHS polymers. We synthesized several CHS polymers by varying the PS core fractions from 20 to 53%. All the polymers possessed discrete spherical cores that were 19–60 nm in diameter and all were highly soluble in organic solvents retaining the CHS architecture. While permanent microporosity was not detected by gas sorption measurements, increased dye uptake of CHS polymer in solution suggests utility of CHS polymers as stable and solution-processible nanocontainers with accessible free volume in the core.

Graphical abstract: Core hyper-cross-linked star polymers from block polymer micelle precursors

Supplementary files

Article information

Article type
Paper
Submitted
28 8月 2020
Accepted
23 10月 2020
First published
27 10月 2020

Polym. Chem., 2020,11, 7178-7184

Core hyper-cross-linked star polymers from block polymer micelle precursors

J. Park, S. J. D. Smith, C. D. Wood, X. Mulet and M. Seo, Polym. Chem., 2020, 11, 7178 DOI: 10.1039/D0PY01225D

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