Synthesis and characterization of block copolymers containing poly(tert.butyl acrylate) blocks

Block copolymers constituted of one polyvinylic block (polystyrene, poly(methyl methacrylate) or poly(vinylpyridine)) and one or two poly(tert.butyl acrylate) blocks have been synthesized by sequential anionic polymerization of the two monomers, using a lithium organic initiator, in the presence of lithium chloride, as an extension of Teyssié's method. The living character of these polymerizations was established. Characterization measurements showed that the copolymers obtained exhibit molecular weights and compositions close to those expected, narrow molecular weight distributions and low compositional heterogeneity. Interest in these species arises from the ease of ester hydrolysis of the tert.butyl acrylate units. The block copolymers described in this paper can thus be considered as promising precursors for amphiphilic species, and even for ampholytic polymeric materials if the other sequence is of poly(vinylpyridine).