Comb like amphiphilic graft copolymers bearing PDMS and PEO side chains: synthesis and solvent assisted self-assembly behavior

An amphiphilic comb like graft polymer, poly(VB-PDMS)-co-(MA-MPEG), with self-assembly features, was synthesized by free radical polymerization. A macromonomer based on a hydrophobic chain, vinyl benzyl PDMS (VB-PDMS), was initially realized by the reaction between PDMS monoglycidyl ether and vinyl benzyl chloride through a piperazine linker. Similarly, a hydrophilic macromonomer, maleic end functionalized polyethylene glycol monomethyl ether (MA-MPEG) was developed through the reaction between poly (ethylene glycol monomethyl ether) and maleic anhydride. The synthesized graft polymer was characterized by using 1H NMR and IR spectroscopy. Its self-association in solvents of varying solubility parameters viz; toluene, tetrahydrofuran, and ethanol was investigated by viscometry, dynamic light scattering (DLS), and UV spectral analysis. Dynamic light scattering studies of the polymer in ethanol shows a size shifting effect with dilution. It was further supported by the morphological examinations, through SEM and AFM, which shows the evolution of a spherical micelle from a worm like structure.