Reactivity Ratios and Surface Properties of Confined and Bulk ATRP Copolymerization of Butyl Methacrylate and 2-Hydroxyethyl Acrylate

Abstract

Tunable hardness materials have shown fascinating properties, which place them as potential materials for use in different technological fields. This work deals with the bulk and confined synthesis of copolymers based on butyl methacrylate and 2-hydroxyethyl acrylate (HEA), prepared by atom transfer radical copolymerization in the entire composition range using conventional and anodic aluminum oxide (AAO) reactors, respectively. In each case, reactivity ratios and molecular weights were calculated using nuclear magnetic resonance, and the latter were compared to the values obtained by size exclusion chromatography. Differential scanning calorimetry and thermogravimetric analysis allowed to evaluate thermal transition and decomposition profiles and, with this data, compare the differences in each system, bulk and confined. Finally, the nanostructures extracted from the AAO nanoreactor were evaluated on the surface by atomic force microscopy and the water contact angle. Interestingly, our results revealed remarkable differences in the reactivity ratios under bulk and confined conditions. Nanopolymerization increased the reactivity of the HEA monomer, and the thermal and surface analysis supported this observation. Indeed, these results will bring valuable knowledge that will advance the field of application of nanopolymeric materials as well as their potential applications in surface science.