Multisegmented block copolymers by click coupling of polymers prepared by ATRP

Multisegmented block copolymers were prepared by the step-growth click coupling of well-defined block copolymers synthesized by atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP). ?,?-Diazido-terminated polystyrene-block-poly(ethylene oxide)-block-polystyrene was coupled with propargyl ether in N,N-dimethylformamide in the presence of a CuBr/N,N,Ń,Ń́, Ń́-pentamethyldiethylenetriamine catalyst. The preparation of multisegmented block copolymers was also demonstrated by the click coupling of propargyl ether with another diazido-terminated triblock copolymer, poly(n-butyl acrylate)-block-poly(methyl methacrylate)-block-poly(n-butyl acrylate), and a diazido-terminated pentablock copolymer, polystyrene-block-poly(n-butyl acrylate)-block-poly(methyl methacrylate)-block-poly(n-butyl acrylate)-block-polystyrene. The formation of a product of higher molecular weight and broader molecular weight distribution was verified by triple-detection size exclusion chromatography, which revealed that typically five to seven block copolymers were linked together during the click reaction. Differential scanning calorimetry and dynamic mechanical analysis revealed that the amphiphilic block copolymer behaves as a viscoelastic fluid, while its corresponding multiblock copolymer is an elastic material. The multisegmented block copolymers with partially miscible segments exhibit higher glass transition temperatures than their precursors.