Point by point comparison of two thermosensitive polymers exhibiting a similar LCST: is the age of poly(NIPAM) over?
The present Communication compares the thermosensitivity in dilute aqueous solutions of well-defined copolymers composed of 95% of 2-(2-methoxyethoxy)ethyl methacrylate (MEO2MA) and 5% of oligo(ethylene glycol) methacrylate (OEGMA, Mn = 475 g.mol-1) and poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM) samples having similar degrees of polymerization and chain-ends. The thermoresponsive behavior of P(MEO2MA-co-OEGMA) was found to be overall comparable, and in some cases, superior to PNIPAM. Hence, P(MEO2MA-co-OEGMA) copolymers can be considered as ideal structures, which combine both the properties of poly(ethylene glycol) and PNIPAM in a single macromolecule.
Lutz
Jean-François
JF
Research Group Nanotechnology for Life Science, Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Polymer Research, Geiselbergstrasse 69, Golm 14476, Germany.
Akdemir
Ozgür
O
Hoth
Ann
A
D000180:Acrylic Resins / Q000737:chemistry*; D011092:Polyethylene Glycols / Q000737:chemistry*; D011109:Polymethacrylic Acids / Q000737:chemistry*; D013696:Temperature
D000180:Acrylic Resins; D011109:Polymethacrylic Acids; C052970:poly-N-isopropylacrylamide; D011092:Polyethylene Glycols