Synthesis of amphiphilic copolymers having capability as emulsifiers and their surface chemical properties

Some comblike terpolymers composed of methyl methacrylate (MMA), methoxypolyethyleneglycol methacrylate (MPEGMA) as a hydrophilic component, and methoxypolypropyleneglycol methacrylate (MPPGMA) as a hydrophobic component were synthesized by both living radical photopolymerization and ordinary radical polymerization. Since these terpolymers showed a high surface activity, it was suggested that they could be utilized as good polymeric emulsifiers. The polymeric emulsions containing these emulsifiers also showed comparatively good emulsion and mechanical properties as an adhesive. From these facts, it was found that these terpolymers had almost the same emulsification capability as commercially available low molecular weight emulsifiers. Conversely, a difference in surface tension behavior of these terpolymers could be observed. We think that it was due to the chain arrangements (random or block sequence) of the terpolymer. Amphiphilic copolymer Emulsion polymerization Polymeric emulsifier Micelle formation