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Abstract

Brush-like homopolymers as well as statistical and gradient copolymers containing polyethylene oxide (PEO) and octadecyl (OD) side chains synthesized by polymerization of corresponding macromonomers using atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) were investigated as bulk materials. Copolymerization of PEO macromonomer with acrylate resulted in the brush polymers with spontaneous gradient in composition. The effect of the forced intramolecular mixing of these two crystalline polymers (PPEOMA and ODMA) on the structure and properties has been investigated by means of DSC, X-ray scattering, POM and dynamic mechanical analysis. The structural investigation has revealed crystallization of the copolymers, depending on their composition. Also, orientation ability of these polymeric materials has been observed on WAXS and SAXS patterns. In general, the PEO/OD side chain content and repartition influence crystallization processes and as a consequence final properties. Some samples have shown typical soft rubber properties so that they can be considered as new elastomeric materials.