Copolymers obtained by grafting reaction of 2-methyl-2-oxazoline onto poly(4-methylphenoxyphosphazene) and their micelle formation

Abstract

Poly(dichlorophosphazene) of a low molecular weight was prepared by the thermal polymerization of hexachlorocyclotriphosphazene in the presence of aluminum chloride (10 wt %). The chloro groups were replaced by 4-methylphenoxy groups to give [NP(OC6H4-p-CH3)](n). The methyl groups of the polymer were brominated with N-bromosuccinimide and benzoyl peroxide, resulting in [NP(OC6H4-p-CH3)(x)(OC6H4-P-CH2Br)(y)](n). The brominated unit content was 5% - 20%. These polymers were employed in initiating polymerization of 2-methyl-2-oxazoline. The weight average molecular weight of the 5% grafted polymer measured by GPC in chloroform was 11,000. Their micelle formation in water was investigated by fluorescence spectroscopy and surface tension measurement.