Synthesis, characterization, physical and processing properties of new TPEs: Star-blocks comprising multiple polystyrene-b-polyisobutylene arms radiating from a polydivinylbenzene core

The synthesis of the title star-block thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs) was a ccomplished by linking living polystyrene-b-polyisobutylene (PSt-b-PIB+) di blocks with divinylbenzene. Linking was last and high yields of star-block polymers were obtained. The products were characterized by a variety of tec hniques. The physical and processing properties of the star-blocks have bee n investigated and they sere found to exhibit superior tensile properties a nd lower melt viscosities to those of similar linear triblock copolymers.