Synthesis and characterization of novel comb-type amphiphilic graft copolymers containing polypropylene and polyethylene glycol

Balci M., Alli A., HAZER B., Guven O., Cavicchi K., Cakmak M.

POLYMER BULLETIN, vol.64, no.7, pp.691-705, 2010 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 64 Issue: 7
  • Publication Date: 2010
  • Doi Number: 10.1007/s00289-009-0211-3
  • Journal Name: POLYMER BULLETIN
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus
  • Page Numbers: pp.691-705
  • Hacettepe University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

Amphiphilic comb-type graft copolymers containing polypropylene (PP) and polyethylene glycol (PEG) have been prepared. Polypropylene-g-polyethylene glycol comb-type thermoplastic amphiphilic copolymers were synthesized by the reaction between chlorinated polypropylene and polyethylene glycol in the presence of a base via a "grafting to" technique. A series of graft copolymers containing PEGs with molecular weights of 600 and 2,000 Da in the range of 4-34 mol% PEG were obtained. The amphiphilic graft copolymers with PEG segments in range between 20 and 30 mol% PEG displayed good film properties with elongation at break 275-440%. The hydrophilicity of the amphiphilic copolymers increases with the increasing PEG content in the copolymer while the mechanical properties decrease. Therefore, PP-g-PEG2000 with PEG contents in the range of 20-30 mol% PEG should be useful for medical and industrial applications where good film properties are needed.