(275e) Nanostructure of a Novel Fluoroblock Copolymer Using Atom Transfer Polymerization: Poly(styrene)-b-Poly(2,3,4,5,6-Pentafluorostyrene)-b-Poly(2,2,3,4,4,4-Hexafluorobutyl methacrylate)

This investigation studied the synthesis and characterization of ionic membranes composed of sulfonated copolymers with a novel fluoroblock copolymer. Poly(styrene)-b-poly(2,3,4,5,6-pentafluorostyrene)-b-poly(2,2,3,4,4,4-hexafluorobutyl methacrylate) [PS-P5FS-PHFBM] was synthesized using Atom Transfer and Polymerization (ATRP). The block copolymer’s physical and thermal properties were measured using different characterization techniques such as gel permeation chromatography (GPC), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The chemical composition was monitored with Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. The resulting block polymer was incorporated to an elastomeric matrix; therefore, physical blends of sulfonated poly(styrene-isobutylene-styrene) and  unsulfonated PS-P5FS-PHFBM were casted and analyzed. The newly developed fluoro-membrane was characterized using several techniques including: elemental analysis (EA), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and small angle X-Ray scattering (SAXS). In addition, methanol, ethanol and isopropanol liquid permeabilities were measured to understand their transport properties and mechanism throughout the membranes and their connection to this unique nanostructure where chemistry and morphology play a critical role. The synthesis methodology was proposed as an alternative to obtain an advanced fluorinated, elastomeric and glassy polymeric membranes capable of being functionalized for applications such as specialty separations (e.g., alcohols), or direct methanol fuel cells (DMFC).