Synthesis and self assembly of low molecular weight diblock copolymers of poly 2 substituted oxazolines

Abstract

newline Polyoxazoline referred to as pseudopeptides is synthesized by Cationic Ring Opening Polymerization (CROP) technique. Polymerization by CROP techniques results in narrow poly dispersity index (PDI), which is ideally suited for the synthesis of block copolymers with well-controlled block lengths. 2-Substituted oxazoline based block copolymer have attracted many researchers due to the ease of controlled synthesis. Methyl substituted oxazolines are water soluble while ethyl substitution imparts lower critical solution temperature in aqueous solution and higher alkyl or aryl substitution generates in hydrophobic polymers. Block copolymers with the hydrophilic lipophilic balance (HLB) is within the range of 8 to 16, spontaneously self-assemble into spherical micelle that can be utilized as drug delivery carriers, Compatibilizers for the polymer blends, bio imaging applications, surface active agents etc. Our approach to utilize the HLB concept for the block copolymer micelle. This thesis is divided into six chapter on the design, synthesis of water soluble, diblock copolymers of poly (2-substituted oxazolines), diblock copolymer that self assemble in water into micelles and subsequent application in the synthesis of polystyrene (PS) latex via batch emulsion polymerization.