Autoxidized Oleic Acid Bifunctional Macro Peroxide Initiators for Free Radical and Condensation Polymerization. Synthesis and Characterization of Multiblock Copolymers

Autoxidation of unsaturated fatty acids gives fatty acid macroperoxide initiators containing two functionalities which can lead to free radical and condensation polymerizations in a single pot. The oleic acid macroperoxide initiator obtained by ecofriendly autoxidation (Pole4m) was used in both the free radical polymerization of styrene and the condensation polymerization with amine-terminated polyethylene glycol (PEGNH2) to obtain triblock branched graft copolymers. The narrow molar masses of the poly oleic acid-g-styrene (PoleS) and poly oleic acid-g-styrene-g-PEG (PoSG) graft copolymers were successfully obtained. The inclusion of oleic acid decreased the glass transition temperature of the polystyrene segment because of the plasticizing effect of oleic acid. In addition, a mechanical property of the copolymer was improved when compared with the pure PS. Structural characterization, morphology of the fracture surface, micelle formation, thermal analysis and molar masses of the obtained products were also evaluated.