Blending, grafting, and cross-linking processes between poly(ethylene oxide) and a (4-benzoylphenoxy)(similar to 0.5)(methoxyethoxyethoxy)(similar to0.5)phosphazene copolymer

We report our results on the miscibility and irradiation of the blends of p oly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) and a phosphazene copolymer almost equimolecularl y substituted with 4-benzoylphenoxy and methoxyethoxyethoxy moieties (BzMEE P). Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) studies of the blends showed gl ass transitions temperatures (T-g) that increased regularly with the percen tage of BzMEEP in the blend from about -50 degrees C up to -30 degrees C. I rradiation of these blends, under selected experimental conditions, leads t o the absorption of the light by the benzophenone chromophore only in the c opolymer, causing grafting of PEO onto the copolymer to occur concurrently with cross-linking reactions. Almost completely insoluble gellike materials were obtained. The percent of gel formed and degree of swelling of the cro ss-linked blends in chloroform were dependent on the amount of benzophenone , irradiation time, and molar mass of PEG.