Nanophase separated anionic amphiphilic model conetworks based on methacrylic acid

Abstract

Two series of model amphiphilic polymer conetworks were synthesized by group transfer polymerization (GTP). The first one contained methyl methacrylate (MMA) and the second one 2-butyl-l-octyl methacrylate (BOMA) as hydrophobic monomers. Methacrylic acid (MAA) was used as the hydrophilic monomer for both series. Network synthesis was performed by sequential monomer/cross-linker additions to form conetworks in a wide range of compositions and architectures. All conetwork precursors and the extractables were characterized in organic solvents by gel permeation chromatography and 1H NMR. The polymer conetworks were investigated in terms of their degree of swelling in aqueous media and in THF. The nanophase separated structure was proved by atomic force microscopy and small-angle neutron scattering measurements for the triblock copolymer model conetworks.