Synthesis and characterisation of amphiphilic block copolymers
Date
2005-03
Authors
Morkel, Charl Ernst
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Stellenbosch : University of Stellenbosch
Abstract
This study involves the synthesis and characterisation of PEG-based amphiphilic block
copolymers for the hydrophilization of polysulphone ultrafiltration membranes. PEG
based macro RAFT agents were synthesized and characterised. PEG-b-PS block
copolymers were synthesized via the RAFT assisted controlled free radical polymerisation
utilizing the synthesized PEG macro RAFT agents. The resulting polymerisation products
were then analyzed by two-dimensional chromatography at the “critical conditions” for PS.
In the second phase of this study PEG-b-PSU block copolymers were synthesized via the
polycondensation of bis (4-chlorophenyl) sulphone, Bisphenol A, and PEG. The resulting
products were characterised by NMR spectrometry.
PEG-b-PS films and modified PSU membranes (modified by the addition of PEG-b-PSU
block copolymer to the membrane casting solution) were prepared and analyzed. Surface
analyses included static contact angle, AFM force-distance analysis, and FTIR-PAS
analysis.
Results showed the successful synthesis of both PEG-b-PS and PEG-b-PSU amphiphilic
block copolymers. Surface analysis proved the successful hydrophilization of the surface
of the modified PSU membranes.
Description
Thesis (PhD (Chemistry and Polymer Science)--University of Stellenbosch, 2005.
Keywords
Dissertations -- Polymer science, Theses -- Polymer science, Block copolymers, Block copolymers -- Synthesis