Synthesis and properties of xylenyl ether-dimethylsiloxane triblock polymers

Poly(xylenyl ether-dimethylsiloxane) (PXE-PDMS) triblock polymers were successfully prepared by a hydroxyl-silylamine condensation route as potential modifiers for poly(styrene) (PS) and related materials. This synthesis route affords A-B-A triblock polymers where A represents PXE and B poly(dimethylsiloxane). These new copolymers are more versatile than poly(styrene-dimethylsiloxane) block polymers (as poly(styrene) modifiers) since the PXE is miscible with PS at all molecular weights and compositions. These triblock polymers formed unimodal molecular weight distributions, transparent and tough films, and microphase-separated morphologies as determined by a number of techniques. © 1988 Springer-Verlag.