POS4-1272
Metal-Free Synthesis and Self-Assembly of P4VP-b-PLA Block Copolymers via Sequential O-ATRP and Ring-Opening Polymerization
Topic
S4. Colloids, Interfaces, and Molecular Assemblies for Functional Soft Materials
When and Where
Sep 29, 2026
08:30 - 09:30
Room 301 (Grand Ballroom)
Session Chairs
Hae Jung SON
Boseok KANG
Presenter(s)
Kainat (Gachon University)
Co-Author(s)
Abstract
Metal-free controlled polymerization enables the synthesis of functional polymers while avoiding the residual transition-metal catalysts and contamination risk that limit conventional ATRP. In this study, hydroxyl-terminated poly(4-vinylpyridine) (P4VP-OH) was synthesized by visible-light-mediated organocatalyzed atom transfer radical polymerization (O-ATRP) using 1,2,3,5-tetrakis(carbazol-9-yl)-4,6-dicyanobenzene (4CzIPN) as an organo-photocatalyst. The obtained P4VP-OH macroinitiator was subsequently chain-extended by ring-opening polymerization (ROP) of D,L-lactide to produce amphiphilic poly(4-vinylpyridine)-block-poly(lactic acid) (P4VP-b-PLA) block copolymer. Successful formation was confirmed by ¹H NMR and FTIR spectroscopy, while DSC and TGA analyses revealed thermal behavior distinct from P4VP/PLA homopolymer blends. The synthesized P4VP-b-PLA self-assembled into spherical micellar nanoparticles, as observed by SEM. Selective removal of the PLA block by methanolysis was further confirmed by FTIR and TGA, generating porous P4VP-based nanostructures. Ongoing STEM analysis will further resolve the internal morphology of the particles. This work demonstrates an efficient route to metal-free amphiphilic block copolymers with applications in nanostructured functional materials. Future work will focus on exploiting these porous P4VP nanostructures as platforms for catalytic support with high surface area, chemical sensing systems, selective adsorption, and other advanced functional nanomaterials.
Keywords: O-ATRP; Poly(4-vinylpyridine); P4VP-b-PLA block copolymer; Metal-free polymerization; Self-assembly; Polymeric micelles
Keywords: O-ATRP; Poly(4-vinylpyridine); P4VP-b-PLA block copolymer; Metal-free polymerization; Self-assembly; Polymeric micelles
