Hydroxyl-functionalized polymers using initiator structures

A combination of NMR spectroscopy and MALDI-TOF MS is commonly employed in our laboratory for the characterisation of PPG polymers. Analysis of di-hydroxyl end-capped PPG (18) is initially described. The [H NMR spectrum [54] can be used to confirm the backbone structure of the polymer, as can be seen in Figure 22 (a and b are from the backbone of the polymer, with c from the methyl side chains). Peaks of low intensity, downfield of those from the backbone of the polymer, in the HNMR spectrum may be used to identify and quantify the allyl functionality in the polymer [55]. These resonances (d, e and f) are... 

The concept of PO macroinitiators centers on the introduction of an initiation moiety into an olefinic polymer chain for polymerization. The most effective route for preparing PO macroinitiators is by employing functional polyolefins containing hydroxyl groups or other reactive groups. These functional POs are prepared by copolymerization of olefins with functional monomers and post-polymerization reaction, as mentioned above. In the case where an initiation moiety was at the chain-end of the polyolefins, a block type copolymer is produced. It has been reported that thiol-terminated PP was used as polymeric chain transfer agent in styrene and styrene/acrylonitrile polymerization to form polypropylene-b/odc-polystyrene (PP-b-PS) and polypropylene-btock-poly(styrene-co-acrylonitrile) (PP-b-SAN) block copolymer [19]. On the other hand, polymer hybrids with block and graft structures can be produced if initiation moieties are in the polymer chain. 

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