Synthesis and Characterization of Functionalized Polystyrene Using ATRP with Strong Base Technique

Abstract

This paper deals with a simple method for the synthesis of functionalised polystyrene using ATRP and strong base chemistry. The α, Ω-dihydroxy terminated polystyrene (OH-PSt-OH) and α, Ω-diamine terminated polystyrene (NH 2-PSt-NH 2) were prepared by reacting α, Ω-Dibromo terminated polystyrene (Br-PSt-Br) with Potassiumhydroxide and Sodamide respectively. The synthesized polymers are characterized by different techniques. The Infrared (IR) spectrum confirms the formation of -OH and -NH 2 as end group. The weight average molecular weight (Mw) of the synthesized polymer is determined by 1 H NMR end group analysis, gel permeation chromatography (GPC) and mass spectrometric technique and found to be around 2000 g/mol. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) showed single stage decomposition cantered at 400 o C. The Tg value of the polymers is determined using Differential Scanning Colorimetric (DSC) method and found to be in the range from 58 to 60°.