Synthesis of graft copolymers based on poly(2-methoxyethyl acrylate) and investigation of the associated water structure.

Graft copolymers composed of poly(2-methoxyethyl acrylate) are prepared employing controlled radical polymerization techniques. Linear backbones bearing atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) initiating sites are obtained by reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer copolymerization of 2-methoxyethyl acrylate (MEA) and 2-(bromoisobutyryloxy)ethyl methacrylate (Br(i) BuEMA) as well as 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate and Br(i) BuEMA in a controlled manner . MEA is then grafted from the linear macroinitiators by Cu (I)-mediated ATRP. Fairly high molecular weights (>120 000 Da) and low polydispersity indices (1.17-1.38) are attained. Thermal investigations of the graft copolymers indicate the presence of the freezing bound water, and imply that the materials may exhibit blood compatibility.