Investigation on the fluorescence–(stimulus-response) properties of linear and star PVBCz-b-PDMAEMA block copolymers synthesized via ATRP

Abstract

Linear and star PVBCz-b-PDMAEMA block copolymers with different arm numbers and PDMAEMA block lengths were successfully synthesized via ATRP using the PVBCz homopolymers with a low degree of polymerization as macro-initiators and DMAEMA as the second monomer. The properties of different PVBCz-b-PDMAEMA block copolymers were investigated including ultraviolet-visible absorption, fluorescence emission, stimulus-response and fluorescence–stimulus-response. The experimental results showed that both the arm number and PDMAEMA segment length of the block copolymers had significant effects on the properties and the special fluorescence–stimulus-responses. The block copolymers represented lower phase transition temperatures with more arm numbers and longer PDMAEMA segment length. Moreover, the phase transition temperatures also changed with respect to different pH values of the solution. The fluorescence emission intensity and emission wavelength of block copolymers varied with different ratios of THF and water, pH value and temperature of the solution. The unique function could be adjusted to meet various specific practical demands by varying the arm number and the block length, which is of great research significance. The multifunction of the block copolymers endows them with a wide application prospect, especially in the field of sensors and intelligent photoelectric materials.