Synthesis of polyacrylonitrile-block-polydimethylsiloxane-block-polyacrylonitrile triblock copolymers via RAFT polymerization

A new A-B-A type of block copolymers, polyacrylonitrile-block-polydimethylsiloxane-block-polyacrylonitrile (PAN-b-PDMS-b-PAN), which comprises two polymer blocks of different polarities and compatibilities, were synthesized for the first time via reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer polymerization. Reaction kinetics was investigated. PAN-b-PDMS-b-PAN films were prepared by spin-coating on glass chips. Significant order on the film surface morphologies was observed.