Loughborough University
Browse

Supporting Information files for: Rational synthesis of epoxy-functional spheres, worms and vesicles by RAFT aqueous emulsion polymerisation of glycidyl methacrylate

Download (1.49 MB)
dataset
posted on 2021-04-20, 09:43 authored by Fiona HattonFiona Hatton, Matthew Derry, Steven Armes
Supporting Information files for: Rational synthesis of epoxy-functional spheres, worms and vesicles by RAFT aqueous emulsion polymerisation of glycidyl methacrylate
The rational synthesis of epoxy-functional diblock copolymer nano-objects has been achieved via RAFT aqueous emulsion polymerisation of glycidyl methacrylate (GlyMA; aqueous solubility ~ 22 g dm-3 at 50 °C) by utilising relatively mild conditions (pH 4-7, 50 °C) to preserve the epoxy groups. High monomer conversions were achieved within 1 h when using a poly(glycerol monomethacrylate) chain transfer agent with a mean degree of polymerisation (DP) of 28, with GPC analysis indicating relatively narrow molecular weight distributions (Mw/Mn < 1.40) when targeting PGlyMA DPs up to 80. A phase diagram was constructed to identify the synthesis conditions required to access pure spheres, worms or vesicles. Transmission electron microscopy, dynamic light scattering and small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) studies indicated the formation of well-defined worms and vesicles when targeting relatively long PGlyMA blocks. These epoxy-functional nano-objects were derivatised via epoxy-thiol chemistry by reaction with ʟ-cysteine in aqueous solution. Finally, an in situ SAXS study was conducted during the RAFT aqueous emulsion polymerisation of GlyMA at 50 °C to examine the nucleation and size evolution of PGMA48-PGlyMA100 diblock copolymer spheres using a bespoke stirrable reaction cell.

Funding

ERC for an Advanced Investigator grant (PISA 320372)

Particle Technology Established Career Fellowship Proposal: Characterisation and Evaluation of New Block Copolymer Nanoparticles

Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council

Find out more...

Leverhulme Trust (RPG-2016-330)

History

School

  • Aeronautical, Automotive, Chemical and Materials Engineering

Department

  • Materials