Low molecular weight block copolymers as plasticizers for polystyrene

Abstract

Polystyrene-b-alkyl, polystyrene-b-polybutadiene-b-polystyrene, and polystyrene-b-poly(propylene glycol)monotridecyl ether were synthesized using macro initiators and atom transfer radical polymerization or by esterifications of homopolymers. The aim was a maximum molecular weight of 4 kg/mol and minimum polystyrene content of 50 w/w %, which by us is predicted as the limits for solubility of polystyrene-b-alkyl in polystyrene. DSC showed polystyrene was plasticized, as seen by a reduction in glass transition temperature, by block copolymers consisting of a polystyrene block with molecular weight of approximately 1 kg/mol and an alkyl block with a molecular weight of approximately of 0.3 kg/mol. The efficiency of the block copolymers as plasticizers increases with decreasing molecular weight and polystyrene content. In addition, polystyrene-b-alkyl is found to be an efficient plasticizer also