Smart polymers are polymers with properties that change due to environmental factors, i.e. pH or temperature. Poly(2-(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate) (PDMAEMA) is the smart polymer of interest because of its ability to change solubility in response to pH and temperature changes. Block copolymers of poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) and PDMAEMA were synthesized using activator regenerated by electron transfer atom transfer radical polymerization (ARGET ATRP). ARGET ATRP was chosen instead of ATRP due to cost efficiency, reduction of procedure set-up time, and reduced reactivity to air. Gel Permeation Chromatography (GPC) was used to identify relative molecular weight and dispersity of the polymer. Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy was used to ensure the synthesis had the desired ratio of PEG and PDMAEMA to see how different ratios of PDMAEMA affect the properties of the copolymer. Diblock and triblock copolymers were synthesized for this reason. The best smart polymer candidates were characterized using a Discovery HR-2 Rheometer. Viscosity was characterized to discover if the polymers possessed physical properties necessary for dispersing titanium dioxide in architectural coatings such as paints, primers, and stains. To test efficiency of titanium dioxide dispersion, demand curves were run on the rheometer. Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS), Ultraviolet-Visible spectroscopy (UV-Vis), and Tensiometry were also characterized to understand properties including cloud point and interfacial tension. These polymers may potentially be applied to architectural coatings as a titanium dioxide dispersant.

Smart polymer synthesis and characterization via rheology for applications in architectural coatings

ACS Spring 2022

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.