Microgels based on isotactic poly(styrene): Synthesis and characterization. Issue 1 (5th October 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Tschage, Marie; Beckerle, Klaus; Rahimi, Khosrow; Jung, Seungwhan; Chang, Stefan S.‐H.; Stellbrink, Jörg; Okuda, Jun
• Is Part Of: Journal of polymer science. Volume 55:Issue 1(2017)
• Page Start: 175
• Page End: 180
• Publication Date: 2016-10-05
• Subjects: Friedel–Crafts alkylation -- isotactic poly(styrene) -- microgel -- miniemulsion -- postpolymerization modification; 547
• DOI: 10.1002/pola.28370
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0887-624X

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Poly(styrene) microgels are known, but the influence of tacticity on particle formation and behavior has not been investigated yet. Isotactic poly(styrene) ( i PS) with M n = 15–120 kg/mol is synthesized by coordinate polymerization and cross‐linked by Friedel–Crafts alkylation in a miniemulsion. Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, light microscopy, cryogenic transmission electron microscopy, and wide‐angle powder diffraction are applied to understand the structure of microgels obtained. Typically, spherical microgels with overall diameter of 40–500 nm are found. Isotacticity of the polymer is retained during microgel formation. Increase of cross‐linker content leads to partial crystallinity inside the microgel. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem.2017, 55, 175–180 Abstract : A new method for microgel synthesis in emulsion based on ready‐made isotactic poly(styrene) is established. Isotacticity of the poly(styrene) scaffold is retained during cross‐linking. In the dry state, the microgels exhibit ordered to nearly crystalline domains which originate from noncross‐linked polymer chains that are dangling out of the microgel surface and from cross‐linked domains inside the microgel. The synthesized microgels seem suitable for further application as catalyst supports.