Synthesis of block copolymers of styrene and N-(p-substituted phenyl) maleimides by anionic polymerization

The block copolymers were synthesized by anionic polymerization via two steps reaction. First, styrene was initiated by n-butyl lithium, then maleimides were added into the living styrene system to obtain block copolymers. H-1-NMR and FT-IR measurements indicated that block copolymers had been formed. From the results of thermogravimetric analysis, it could be concluded that the block copolymer had a much better thermal stability than random copolymers prepared by radical polymerization. Also the surface hydrophilicities of the two kinds of copolymers were compared.Chemistry, MultidisciplinarySCI(E)1ARTICLE4367-370