The synthesis and characterization of novel self-complementary multiple hydrogen-bonded
(SCMHB) polymers containing pendant 2-ureido-4[1H]-pyrimidone (UPy) units are described. SCMHB
pendant polymers, poly(butyl acrylate-co-SCMHB methacrylate), were prepared via free radical copolymerization of butyl acrylate (BA) and a novel SCMHB methacrylate (SCMHB MA) monomer, which
was synthesized via a quantitative coupling reaction between 2-isocyanatoethyl methacrylate (ICEMA)
and methyl isocytosine (MIS) in DMSO. The glass transition temperatures of poly(BA-co-SCMHB MA)
increased in a linear fashion as the SCMHB MA content increased. Thermogravimetric analysis of the
copolymers exhibited an onset of weight loss at 217 °C. Solution viscosity analysis indicated that SCMHB
pendant polymers strongly aggregated in nonpolar solvents, such as toluene and CHCl3, and dissociated
in polar solvents, such as THF. Based on melt rheological characterization, the melt viscosity of soluble
SCMHB pendant polymers was an order of magnitude higher than that of PBA due to strong aggregation
in the melt state. SCMHB pendant polymers exhibited thermoreversible characteristics, and complete
dissociation in the melt state was observed at 80 °C, which was consistent with our earlier studies involving
SCMHB-terminated poly(styrene) (PS), poly(isoprene) (PI), and PS-b-PI block copolymers. In addition,
SCMHB units completely dissociated at 80 °C in toluene on the basis of 1H NMR measurements. The 90°
peel strength values for SCMHB-containing polymers increased as the SCMHB units increased due to
the strong interaction of SCMHB units with the glass surface. Thin-layer chromatography indicated that
the interaction of SCMHB pendant polymers with silica was more favorable compared to PBA
homopolymer.