Lower Critical Solution Temperature Properties of <i>N</i>‐Isopropylacrylamide‐Based Pseudopolyrotaxanes by Complexation with Cucurbituril[6]

Abstract

Abstract Pseudopolyrotaxanes 4a and 5a are synthesized by two paths: a) directly from the pseudorotaxane, and b) by complexing with cucurbituril (CB[6]) in water at room temperature after the polymerization. Free radical copolymerization with CB[6] (un)complexed monomer and N ‐isopropylacrylamide (NIPAAM) is carried out using a redox initiator in aqueous media at room temperature. The properties of pesudorotaxanes ( 4a and 5a ) and polymers ( 4 and 5 ) are investigated by TGA, DSC, and turbidity measurements. The lower critical solution temperatures of the NIPAAM‐containing copolymers and CB[6] are significantly higher than those of pure NIPAAM copolymers. The pseudopolyrotaxanes 4a and 5a have a higher thermal stability, as a result of threading of the CB[6] rings onto the polymer side groups. magnified image