Amphiphilic Networks. I. Network Synthesis by Copolymerization of Methacryloyl-Capped Polyisobutylene with 2-(Dimethylamino) Ethyl Methacrylate and Characterization of The Networks

Abstract New amphiphilic networks have been synthesized by free-radical co-polymerization of hydrophobic methacryloyl-capped polyisobutylenes (MA-PIB-MA) with hydrophilic 2-(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate. Two MA-PIB-MAs have been prepared with Mn = 4920 and 10 200, and two series of networks were prepared with MA-PIB-MA contents between 48 and 71.5%. Variation of the molecular weight of MA-PIB-MA and its concentration in the network allows for a wide range of mechanical properties and swellability in hydrophilic and hydrophobic solvents. Differential scanning calorimetry shows the existence of two glass transitions in these networks and thus indicates a phase-separated domain structure. Tensile strengths and elongations were dependent on MA-PIB-MA contents varying from 57.7 to 39.8 kg/cm2 and from 168 to 200%, respectively, with increasing MA-PIB-MA content. Solvent swelling of the networks ranged from 170 to 20% in water and from 40 to 170% in n-heptane with increasing MA-PIB-MA contents.