Synthesis and characterization of a series of novel graft copolymers by using “grafting through” method

In this study, a series of novel graft copolymers were synthesized by introducing separately the aliphatic polyamide, polyether, and polyester segments to the poly(2-hydroxypropyl acrylate) skeleton. For this purpose, oligomers of poly(3-hydroxy propionate) and poly(α-methyl-β-alanine) with vinyl end-groups were primarily prepared through hydrogen-transfer polymerization of acrylic acid and methacrylamide, respectively. Commercially available poly(ethylene glycol) with methacrylate end-group was used as a third macromonomer in this work. The three graft copolymers of poly(2-hydroxypropyl acrylate) with three degrees of grafting (5, 10, and 20% by mass) were acquired by use of 2-hydroxypropyl acrylate as a monomer, and the three macromonomers as comonomers. Both the "grafting through" strategy and reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer polymerization (RAFT) method were successfully utilized for the scope of the study. Identical experimental parameters were applied to each macromonomer subgroup to reveal the effects of the macromonomers and their relative quantities on the thermal and spectroscopic properties. Structural and thermal features of the copolymers were determined by using basic characterization methods like FT-IR, 1H-NMR, SLS, TGA, and DSC.