Synthesizing and Characterizing Triblocks of the Smart Polymer PDMAEMA

Abstract

Polymers are covalently bonded molecules, or monomers, that have repeating units. The polymer composition of interest is linear triblock copolymers consisting of poly(2-(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate) (PDMAEMA) on both ends of poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG). The tertiary amine group on the PDMAEMA gives rise to these “smart” polymers. Smart polymers can switch their properties depending on the external stimuli. The external stimuli which can affect the properties of the polymer are temperature, pH, ionic strength and polymer concentration. Properties that are tested and observed are viscosity, interfacial tension, and water solubility. These properties are caused by the stimuli-responsive PDMAEMA. Synthesizing PDMAEMA-containing block copolymers with controlled architecture can lead to unique structures which result in various properties.