title: Synthesis of Novel μ-Star Copolymers with Poly(N-Octyl Benzamide) and Poly(ε-Caprolactone) Miktoarms through Chain-Growth Condensation Polymerization, Styrenics-Assisted Atom Transfer Radical Coupling, and Ring-Opening Polymerization.
abstract: Star copolymers are known to phase separate on the nanoscale, providing useful self-assembled morphologies. In this study, the authors investigate synthesis and assembly behavior of miktoarm star (μ-star) copolymers. The authors employ a new strategy for the synthesis of unprecedented μ-star copolymers presenting poly(N-octyl benzamide) (PBA) and poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) arms: a combination of chain-growth condensation polymerization, styrenics-assisted atom transfer radical coupling, and ring-opening polymerization. Gel permeation chromatography, mass-analyzed laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry, and1H NMR spectroscopy reveal the successful synthesis of a well-defined (PBA11)2-(PCL15)4μ-star copolymer (Mn,NMR≈ 12 620; Đ = 1.22). Preliminary examination of the PBA2PCL4μ-star copolymer reveals assembled nanofibers having a uniform diameter of ≈20 nm.
authors.affiliation: Department of Chemical Engineering, National Chung Hsing University, 250 Kuo Kuang Road, Taichung, 40227, Taiwan.
authors.forename: Chih-Feng
authors.initials: CF
authors.lastname: Huang
authors.affiliation: Molecular Design & Function Group, Research Center for Functional Materials, National Institute for Materials Science, 1-2-1 Sengen, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-0047, Japan.
authors.forename: Junko
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Aimi
authors.affiliation: Department of Chemical Engineering, National Chung Hsing University, 250 Kuo Kuang Road, Taichung, 40227, Taiwan.
authors.forename: Kuan-Yu
authors.initials: KY
authors.lastname: Lai
mesh_terms: D001549:Benzamides / Q000138:chemical synthesis / Q000737:chemistry*; D005609:Free Radicals / Q000737:chemistry; D015394:Molecular Structure; D010316:Particle Size; D011091:Polyesters / Q000138:chemical synthesis / Q000737:chemistry*; D058105:Polymerization; D011108:Polymers / Q000138:chemical synthesis / Q000737:chemistry*; D013499:Surface Properties
chemical_list: D001549:Benzamides; D005609:Free Radicals; D011091:Polyesters; D011108:Polymers; C016240:polycaprolactone
keywords: chain-growth condensation polymerization; miktoarm star copolymer; poly(N-octyl benzamide); poly(ε-caprolactone); styrenices-assisted atom transfer radical coupling