Core-Shell Nanoparticles with Hyperbranched Poly(arylene-oxindole) Interiors

Core-shell type star polymers composed of poly(tert-butyl acrylate) (poly(t-BuA)) arms and 100% hyperbranched poly(arylene-oxindole) interiors were synthesized via the core-first method. Atom transfer radical polymerization of t-BuA initiated by 2-bromopropionyl terminal groups of the hyperbranched core was applied for the synthesis of the stars. The resultant star structures were characterized by gel permeation chromatography with triple detection. Polymers of molar masses M-n up to 1.68 x 10(5) g/Mol were obtained. The obtained star polymers compared with the linear counterparts of the same molar mass have a much more compact structure in solution. The intrinsic viscosities of the stars are also significantly lower than their linear counterparts. Light scattering experiments were performed to provide information about the size of these macromolecules in solution. Preliminary characterization of the thermal properties of these novel materials is also reported. (C) 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polyrn Chem 47: 1120-1135, 2009