Synthesis and photocrosslinking of disulfonated poly(arylene ether sulfone) copolymers for potential reverse osmosis membrane materials. (14th June 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Nebipasagil, Ali; Sundell, Benjamin J.; Lane, Ozma R.; Mecham, Sue J.; Riffle, Judy S.; McGrath, James E.
• Is Part Of: Polymer. Volume 93(2016)
• Page Start: 14
• Page End: 22
• Publication Date: 2016-06-14
• Subjects: Disulfonated poly(arylene ether sulfone) -- Oligomer synthesis -- Telechelic polyacrylamide -- UV crosslinking -- Thin films; Polymers -- Periodicals; Polymerization -- Periodicals; Polymères -- Périodiques; Polymérisation -- Périodiques; 547.7
• DOI: 10.1016/j.polymer.2016.04.009
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0032-3861

Abstract

Abstract: Disulfonated poly(arylene ether sulfone) random copolymers with controlled oligomeric molecular weights were synthesized via nucleophilic aromatic substitution step polymerization. A monofunctional endcapping reagent, meta -aminophenol, was utilized to control the molecular weight of the oligomers and to install telechelic amine endgroups. The meta -aminophenol end-capped oligomers were reacted with acryloyl chloride to obtain novel crosslinkable poly(arylene ether sulfone) oligomers with acrylamide groups on both ends. The chemical compositions of the functional oligomers were characterized by 1 H NMR spectroscopy to determine the degree of sulfonation and concentrations of acrylamide endgroups. The acrylamide-terminated oligomers were crosslinked with UV radiation in the presence of a multifunctional acrylate and a UV photoinitiator. Transparent, free-standing, dense films were obtained with high gel fractions. FTIR spectroscopy was utilized to observe the progress of the photo-crosslinking reaction. Thin films were cast from either aqueous or water-methanol solutions. The crosslinked disulfonated poly(arylene ether sulfone) networks exhibited reduced water uptake and swelling relative to their linear counterparts. SEM and AFM showed that the photo-crosslinked thin films had smooth surfaces. Graphical abstract: Highlights: Synthesis of novel poly(arylene ether)s with telechelic acrylamide groups is described. Crosslinking of novel oligomers with co-monomers using UV light is demonstrated. Oligomers with 50% or higher DS allowed thin film fabrication from aqueous solutions. Thin film composites had uniform submicron thicknesses and smooth surfaces.