6533b860fe1ef96bd12c2f20

RESEARCH PRODUCT

CO2-Based Non-ionic Surfactants: Solvent-Free Synthesis of Poly(ethylene glycol)-block-Poly(propylene carbonate) Block Copolymers

Patricia SchulzeHolger FreyJeannette Hilf

subject

genetic structuresPolymers and PlasticsOrganic Chemistrytechnology industry and agricultureCondensed Matter PhysicsMicellechemistry.chemical_compoundchemistryvisual_artPropylene carbonateAmphiphilePolymer chemistryPEG ratioMaterials Chemistryvisual_art.visual_art_mediumCopolymerPropylene oxidePhysical and Theoretical ChemistryPolycarbonateEthylene glycol

description

Copolymerization of carbon dioxide (CO2) and propylene oxide (PO) is employed to generate amphiphilic polycarbonate block copolymers with a hydrophilic poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) block and a nonpolar poly(propylene carbonate) (PPC) block. A series of poly(propylene carbonate) (PPC) di- and triblock copolymers, PPC-b-PEG and PPC-b-PEG-b-PPC, respectively, with narrow molecular weight distributions (PDIs in the range of 1.05–1.12) and tailored molecular weights (1500–4500 g mol−1) is synthesized via an alternating CO2/propylene oxide copolymerization, using PEG or mPEG as an initiator. Critical micelle concentrations (CMCs) are determined, ranging from 3 to 30 mg L−1. Non-ionic poly(propylene carbonate)-based surfactants represent an alternative to established surfactants based on polyether structures.

yearjournalcountryeditionlanguage
2013-10-25Macromolecular Chemistry and Physics
https://doi.org/10.1002/macp.201300586