This research investigates the synthesis of microporous block copolymers (OBCs) using a novel approach involving silica particles modified with copper(II) ions (ASiP-Cu). These modified silica particles contain polyoxyethylene branches and act as catalysts in the copolymerization process. Rigid, coplanar polyisocyanate blocks of an acetal nature (O-polyisocyanates) are synthesized from 2,4-toluylene diisocyanate (TDI). Additionally, a flexible-chain amphiphilic component is utilized, which consists of block copolymers of ethylene and propylene oxides (PPEG) that are terminated with potassium alcoholate groups. The stabilization of O-polyisocyanate blocks occurs at comparatively low temperatures via the formation of urea groups. This reaction involves the ortho-position isocyanate groups of TDI, water, and triethanolamine (TEA) as a catalyst. Adding a small amount (0.5%) of ASiP-Cu to the polymer mixture significantly increases the production of O-polyisocyanate blocks. This allows for the creation of microporous OBCs at room temperature, simplifying the process by eliminating the need for precise water and TEA additions. The structure of these synthesized OBCs was examined using infrared spectroscopy. To understand how the amount of copper chloride used in ASiP-Cu synthesis affects the overall structure of OBCs, dielectric loss tangent (tgδ) measurements and stress-strain curves were analyzed. The tgδ measurements indicated a change in the temperature range for the movement of chain segments (α-transition) and the movement of side methyl groups (β-transition) within the flexible chain component of the OBC. This shift towards lower temperatures in modified OBCs indicates enhanced microphase separation processes involving the O-polyisocyanate blocks and the flexible-chain polyester component. The dielectric measurements corroborate the changes observed in the stress-strain behavior, providing further evidence for the enhanced release of the flexible-chain segment. The formation of ordered structures by OBC polymers is influenced by the interaction between copper ions bound to ASiP-Cu and the flexible polyethylene oxide segments within the OBC molecule. This synergistic effect plays a key role in shaping the supramolecular assembly of these polymers. These interactions directly affect the rigid O-polyisocyanate blocks, thereby influencing the overall structure and characteristics of the OBCs.
BLOCK COPOLYMERS, MODIFICATION, SILICAS WITH POLYOXYETHYLENE BRANCHES, SORPTION CAPACITY, ANALYTICAL TEST SYSTEMS