Creating block copolymers via melt coupling reactions

The formation of block and graft copolymer by coupling reactions between functional polymers is important for the compatibilization of polymer blends and for adhesion at polymer-polymer interfaces. Polystyrenes and some polymethylmethacrylates, polybutadienes and polyisoprenes were synthesized anionically to a molecular weight of about 20,000 and then terminated with various functional groups, including acid, epoxy, oxazolene, amine and anhydride. The melt reactivity of these groups was compared under homogeneous conditions by mixing the functional polystyrenes at 180 °C.