Poly(hydroxyether of bisphenol A)-alt-polydimethylsiloxane: a novel thermally crosslinkable alternating block copolymer

BACKGROUND: An important strategy for making polymer materials with combined properties is to prepare block copolymers consisting of well-defined blocks via facile approaches. RESULTS: Poly(hydroxyether of bisphenol A)-block-polydimethylsiloxane alternating block copolymers (PH-alt-PDMS) were synthesized via Mannich polycondensation involving phenolic hydroxyl-terminated poly(hydroxyether of bisphenol A), diaminopropyl-terminated polydimethylsiloxane and formaldehyde. The polymerization was carried out via the formation of benzoxazine ring linkages between poly(hydroxyether of bisphenol A) and polydimethylsiloxane blocks. Differential scanning calorimetry and small-angle X-ray scattering show that the alternating block copolymers are microphase-separated. Compared to poly(hydroxyether of bisphenol A), the copolymers displayed enhanced surface hydrophobicity (dewettability). In addition, subsequent crosslinking can occur upon heating the copolymers to elevated temperatures owing to the existence of benzoxazine linkages in the microdomains of hard segments. CONCLUSION: PH-alt-PDMS alternating block copolymers were successfully obtained. The subsequent self-crosslinking of the PH-alt-PDMS alternating block copolymers could lead to these polymer materials having potential applications. (C) 2008 Society of Chemical Industry