Synthesis and characterization of a set of novel copolymers by using RAFT polymerization method and “grafting through” strategy

This study synthesized a series of novel copolymers by introducing the polyethylene glycol segments to the polymethyl methacrylate skeleton. For this purpose, S,S’-(ethane-1,2-diyl) O,O’-diethyl bis(carbonodithioate), named RAFT agent, was synthesized by reacting 1,2-dibromoethane with potassium ethyl xanthogenate. Poly(methyl methacrylate-co-polyethylene glycol monomethyl ether monomethacrylate) [poly(MMA-co-PEGMMA)] copolymer was synthesized by reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer polymerization (RAFT) method and the “grafting through” strategy using the RAFT agent, methyl methacrylate, and different lengths (Mw of PEG unit = 200, 400, and 1000 g.mol⁻¹) of polyethylene glycol monomethyl ether monomethacrylate (PEGMMA) as macromonomers. The three copolymers of poly(MMA-co-PEGMMA) with three different grafting degrees (5, 10, and 20% by mass) were obtained successfully. Structural and thermal features of poly(MMA-co-PEGMMA) copolymers were examined using FT-IR, ¹H-NMR, GPC, TGA, and DSC methods.