Poly(1-trimethylsilyl-1-propyne)-block-poly(4-methyl-2-pentyne)
(PTMSP-b-PMP) block copolymers of different composition
were synthesized through sequential living polymerization by catalytic
systems based on niobium pentachloride with organometallic cocatalysts
in cyclohexane. Mechanical, thermal, and gas transport properties
of synthesized block copolymers are investigated. The morphology of
PTMSP-b-PMP can be described as a two-phase supramolecular
structure which includes regions with an increased level of ordering,
distributed in an amorphous phase. The observed structure of block
copolymers is explained by the presence of densely packed poly(4-methyl-2-pentyne)
(PMP) blocks and less ordered poly(1-trimethylsilyl-1-propyne) (PTMSP)
blocks. The correlation of morphology of block copolymers with gas
transport parameters as well as with resistance toward organic solvents
is discussed. As result of this study, novel polymeric materials based
on PTMSP and PMP combining resistance toward aromatic and aliphatic
hydrocarbons with high gas transport parameters are synthesized.