Novel styrenic symmetric triblock copolymers of poly(styrene)-<i>b</i>-poly(vinyl benzyl chloride) (PS-PVBC) with chloride moieties for post-polymerization functionalization were synthesized by RAFT polymerization. Synthesis of ABA and BAB type triblocks was performed, and RAFT kinetics were investigated. A difunctional R-type trithiocarbonate RAFT agent ensured that, during chain growth, the RAFT agent grows polymers inside-out, keeping the trithiocarbonate functionalities on chain ends. This architecture guarantees the triblocks remain intact even if the trithiocarbonate degrades. RAFT synthesis of PS and PVBC is confirmed to be a controlled polymerization. The effects of several solvents were investigated. DMF as a solvent allowed narrower MW distributions, and unexpectedly improved kinetics, and allowed higher polymerization rates. ABA and BAB type triblock polymers of PS-PVBC were also studied for a wide range of total MWs. Chain extension of the macro-polymers was performed to demonstrate livingness in the triblock synthesis reactions. Reaction conditions were optimized to obtain good control over MW and MW distributions of the blocks. The novel symmetric triblock polymers studied here represent versatile a backbone that can benefit electrochemical applications. The triblock copolymers developed here can potentially serve anion exchange membranes for fuel cells that require high alkaline stability.

RAFT synthesis of ABA-BAB type PS-PVBC triblock copolymers for polyelectrolyte materials

255th National Meeting (2018)

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