Novel reactive thermosensitive polyethers – control of transition point

A new class of thermosensitive polymers based on polyethers is discussed. Using living anionic polymerisation techniques a series of homo- and block copolymers of 2,3-epoxypropanol-1 (the glycidol), ethoxy ethyl glycidol ether, its hydrophobic derivative, and ethylene oxide of different molar masses and topology (linear and comb-like) was obtained. By simple chemical modification of hydroxyl groups in polyglycidol segments hydrophobic elements were introduced into polymer chains, which allowed to control the transition point related to the lower critical solution temperature between 0 to 100°C. The relation between the transition temperature and the structure of obtained polymers is discussed.