Synthesis and properties of ionically modified polymers with LCST behavior

Ionically modified LCST polymers were synthesized by free radical copolymerization of N-isopropylacrylamide (NIPAM) with various cationic, anionic, and amphoteric comonomers, resulting in products with comparable molecular masses and charge concentrations. The temperature-dependent phase transition behavior of the copolymers was investigated in water, aqueous sodium chloride solutions, and mixtures of water with dimethylformamide (DMF) using light transmission measurements, static light scattering, viscometry, and sedimentation experiments in an analytical ultracentrifuge. The LCST of the cationic modified copolymers remains unchanged compared with the homopolymer, but it is increased as a result of an amphoteric or anionic modification. Phase transitions are accompanied by conformational changes followed by aggregation processes. These changes are enhanced in the presence of salt. The phase transition of poly-NIPAM-co-MADAMBQ ((methacryloyloxy)ethyl)dimethylbenzylammonium chloride) in 0.5 M NaCl was studied in detail investigating the temperature dependence of molecular parameters as intrinsic viscosity, particle mass, radius of gyration, second virial coefficient, and sedimentation coefficient.