S. Jacob et al., Novel thermoplastic elastomers: Star-blocks consisting of eight poly(styrene-b-isobutylene) arms radiating from a calix[8]arene core, RUBBER CHEM, 71(4), 1998, pp. 708-721
The first synthesis by a core-first strategy of novel star-block copolymers
consisting of eight poly(styrene-b-isobutylene); (PSt-b-PIB) arms radiatin
g from a calix[8]arene core is described. An octafunctional methoxy calix[8
]arene derivative was used to initiate the living polymerization of isobuty
lene (IB) to desirable molecular weights, then styrene (St) was added to ob
tain the sought star-blocks. Molecular weights and PSt contents were determ
ined by triple-detector GPC and IH NMR spectroscopy. Star-black thermoplast
ic elastomers containing 17-32% PSt showed high strength and elongation (up
to similar to 26 MPa and >500%) and relatively low melt viscosities. The m
echanical and rheological properties of these star-blocks are superior to t
hose of linear PSt-v-PIB-b-PSt triblocks. PIE-based thermoplastic elastomer
s may be of use as novel biomaterials.