UV-Vis and DLS Characterization of Smart Properties of PEG-PDMAEMA Block Copolymers Synthesized by ARGET ATRP

Abstract

The purpose of this project is to synthesize and characterize smart polymers that have controlled polymer architecture. Smart polymers are polymers that respond to a change in environment; the polymer becomes insoluble with an increase in temperature depending on the pH of the solution. Poly((2-dimethylamino) ethyl methacrylate) (PDMAEMA) was synthesized via Activator Regenerated by Electron Transfer Atom Transfer Radical Polymerization (ARGET ATRP) because it reduces cost, and it is more environmentally friendly than traditional ATRP. To determine the effect of polymer structure on smart properties, each smart polymer composition is tested using Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) and Ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy (UV-Vis) to assess the pH and temperature sensitive behaviors. DLS is used to test the size of polymer because as solubility changes with temperature, the polymer switches from individual polymer chains to aggregates or micelles. UV-Vis measures the transmittance of light through the polymer 94 solution, and the transmittance drops suddenly at the cloud point, or the temperature where the polymer solution becomes cloudy due to the change in solubility. These smart polymers have potential for use in drug delivery and enhanced oil recovery.