Synthesis of Graft Copolymers Based on Poly(2-Methoxyethyl Acrylate) and Investigation of the Associated Water Structure

Graft copolymers composed of poly(2-methoxyethyl acrylate) are prepared employing controlled radical polymerization techniques. Linear backbones bearing atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) initiating sites are obtained by reversible additionfragmentation chain transfer copolymerization of 2-methoxyethyl acrylate (MEA) and 2-(bromoisobutyryloxy)ethyl methacrylate (BriBuEMA) as well as 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate and BriBuEMA in a controlled manner . MEA is then grafted from the linear macroinitiators by Cu (I)-mediated ATRP. Fairly high molecular weights (>120 000 Da) and low polydispersity indices (1.171.38) are attained. Thermal investigations of the graft copolymers indicate the presence of the freezing bound water, and imply that the materials may exhibit blood compatibility.