Journal of Polymer Science Part A: Polymer Chemistry

Poly(1,3-pentadiene) synthesized by cationic polymerization of 1,3-pentadiene with ^tBuCl/TiCl₄ initiating system contains only homo and mixed dyads with trans−1,4-, trans−1,2-, and cis−1,2-structures with regular and inverse (head-to-head or tail-to-tail) enchainment, whereas cis−1,4- and 3,4-units are totally absent.

Various bis(cyclic carbonates) were synthesized by thiol–ene coupling. Five- and six-membered cyclic carbonates and thiocarbonates were compared to yield nonisocyanate polyurethanes (PUs) with various amines. Synthesized PUs exhibit low T_g from −29 to 19 °C and high molar masses, interesting properties for coating applications.

This work investigates polymerization behavior of regioisomeric vinyl triazole monomers with styrene. The results obtained for the reactivity ratio between regioisomers show exceptionally different polymerization behavior highlighting the effects of the electronic and steric factors of these regioisomeric monomers. In the absence of any steric effects or electronic effects, a random copolymer is formed.

Novel thermo-responsive PNIPAAm-b-PLLA-b-PNIPAAm triblock copolymers were prepared by ATRP of NIPAAm with Br-PLLA-Br macroinitiator. Copolymers with excellent control over the molecular weight and narrow dispersity were obtained under mild condition. LCST was detected between 32.1 and 32.8 °C. Micelles are prepared by self-assembly of amphiphilic copolymers in aqueous medium. The micelles exhibit a thermo-responsive behavior, showing great potential as carrier of drugs.

Butyl rubber-poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) graft copolymers were synthesized through the derivatization of the isoprene moieties in butyl rubber containing high (7 mol %) isoprene content. Films of these graft copolymers exhibited interesting properties such as high stability in aqueous solution and resistance to the growth of cells at high PEO content. The copolymers also formed stable nanosized assemblies in aqueous solution and their size could be controlled through their preparation method.