Polyether polyols with varied hydrophilicity or amphiphilicity are interesting materials, for example as soft segments for polyurethanes. Hydrophilic poly(propylene oxide) with several hydroxyl functionalities at the chain and at both ends can be obtained via random copolymerization of propylene oxide (PO) with protected glycidol (EEGE, ethoxy ethyl glycidyl ether) and subsequent cleavage of the protecting groups. The glycidol content is varied between 2 and 75% and molecular weights up to 8000 g mol-1 are achieved. NMR kinetic measurements show a slightly faster incorporation of EEGE compared to PO. Chain transfer reaction through proton abstraction from PO during the polymerization can be suppressed completely. Upon deprotection the glass transition temperature of the copolymer rises up to -45 �C (from -67 �C for the copolymer). The a,?-hydroxy-poly(propylene oxide)-co-poly(glycidol)s are water soluble over a broad temperature range and therefore promising for applications as soft segments in hydrophilic polyurethanes or as protein-repellent surface coating.

Multihydroxy-functional poly(propylene oxide) by random copolymerization of propylene oxide with functional oxirane monomers

243rd National Meeting (2012)

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