Allı, SemaAllı, AbdulkadirHazer, Baki2020-05-012020-05-0120120021-89951097-4628https://doi.org/10.1002/app.34933https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12684/6199WOS: 000298637300063Macromonomer initiators behave as macro cross-linkers, macro initiators, and macromonomers to obtain branched and cross-linked block/graft copolymers. A series of new macromonomer initiators for atom transfer radical polymerization (MIM-ATRP) based on polyethylene glycol (M-n = 495D, 2203D, and 4203D) (PEG) were synthesized by the reaction of the hydroxyl end of mono-methacryloyl polyethylene glycol with 2-bromo propanoyl chloride, leading to methacryloyl polyethylene glycol 2-bromo propanoyl ester. Poly (ethylene glycol) functionalized with methacrylate at one end was reacted with 2-bromopropionyl chloride to form a macromonomeric initiator for ATRP. ATRP was found to be a more controllable polymerization method than conventional free radical polymerization in view of fewer cross-linked polymers and highly branched polymers produced from macromonomer initiators as well. In another scenario, ATRP of N-isopropylacrylamide (NIPAM) was initiated by MIM-ATRP to obtain PEG-b-PNIPAM branched block/graft copolymers. Thermal analysis, FTIR, H-1 NMR, TEM, and SEM techniques were used in the characterization of the products. They had a thermo-responsive character and exhibited volume phase transition at similar to 36 degrees C. A plasticizer effect of PEG in graft copolymers was also observed, indicating a lower glass transition temperature than that of pure PNIPAM. Homo and copolymerization kinetics were also evaluated. (C) 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012en10.1002/app.34933info:eu-repo/semantics/closedAccessatom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP)graft copolymershyperbranchedstimuli-sensitive polymersArticle1241536548WOS:000298637300063Q2Q2