Amphiphilic graft copolymers

摘要

A novel amphiphilic graft copolymer is described. A process to make amphiphilic graft copolymers via grafting either poly(ethylene oxide) or polylactide side chains onto an EVA platform using oxo-anion ring-opening polymerization chemistry is also described. Polyethylene or polypropylene based graft copolymers are prepared starting from poly(ethylene-co-vinyl acetate) or maleic anhydride grafted isotactic polypropylene respectively. The amphiphilic character will result from the incorporation of hydrophilic poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) side-chains. Various applications of the novel amphiphilic graft copolymer are also described including, but not limited to, thermoplastic elastomer, films, fibers, fabrics, gels, breathable packaging materials, additive for biodegradable system, surfactant, antistatic additives, polymer compatibilizers, phase transfer catalysts, solid polymer electrolytes, biocompatible polymers, or incorporation into the materials listed above.

主权项

1. A process for preparing amphiphilic polyethylene-based copolymers comprising
a. obtaining an ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer having from 2 to 40 weight percent of vinyl acetate; b. reacting the ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer with potassium methoxide to prepare a mixture of polymeric potassium alkoxide and methyl acetate co-product; c. performing distillation on the mixture of polymeric potassium alkoxide and methyl acetate co-product to remove the methyl acetate co-product; d. performing ethylene oxide ring-opening polymerization on the polymeric potassium alkoxide; e. removing aliquots during the ethylene oxide ring-opening polymerization to allow for systemic variation in degree of polymerization of ethylene oxide side chains; f. collecting an amphiphilic polyethylene based graft co-polymer having the structure  wherein R is hydrogen, alkyl, substituted alkyl, vinylic substituted alkyl, hydrocarbyl, substituted hydrocarbyl, or vinylic substituted hydrocarbyl group; the molar value of m is in the range from 2 to 40 mole percent; the molar values of n is in the range from 60 to 98 mole percent; and p is in the range from 5 to 500 ethylene oxide units.