Synthesis of graft polymers with poly(isoprene) as main chain by living anionic polymerization mechanism

Abstract

The graft polymers [poly(isoprene)-graft-poly(styrene)] (PI-g-PS), [poly(isoprene)-graft-poly(isoprene)] (PI-g-PI), [poly(isoprene)-graft- (poly(isoprene)-block-poly(styrene))] PI-g-(PI-b-PS), and [poly(isoprene)-graft- (poly(styrene)-block-poly(isoprene))] PI-g-(PS-b-PI) with PI as main chain were synthesized through living anionic polymerization (LAP) mechanism and the efficient coupling reaction. First, the PI was synthesized by LAP mechanism and epoxidized in H 2O 2/HCOOH system for epoxidized PI (EPI). Then, the graft polymers with controlled molecular weight of main chain and side chains, and grafting ratios were obtained by coupling reaction between PI -Li +, PS -Li +, PS-b-PI -Li +, or PI-b-PS -Li + macroanions and the epoxide on EPI. The target polymers and all intermediates were well characterized by SEC, 1H NMR, as well as their thermal properties were also evaluated by DSC. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.