In this study, dendronization and grafting via controlled polymerization techniques, atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) and ring-opening polymerization (ROP), have been explored. Modification of surfaces and cellulose using these techniques, which enable grafting of well-defined polymer architectures, has been investigated. The interest in using cellulose stems from its renewability, biocompatibility, high molecular weight, and versatile functionalization possibilities. Dendronization was performed using disulfide-cored didendrons of 2,2-bis(methylol)propionic acid (bis-MPA) on gold surfaces, for the formation of self-assembled monolayers. It was found that the height of the monolayer increased with increasing dendron generation and that the end-group functionality controlled the wettability of the modified surface. Superhydrophobic cellulose surfaces could be obtained when a ‘graft-on-graft’ architecture was obtained using ATRP from filter paper after subsequent post-functionalized using a perfluorinated compound. The low wettability could be explained by a combination of a high surface roughness and the chemical composition. Biobased dendronized polymers were synthesized through the ‘attach to’ route employing dendronization of soluble cellulose, in the form of hydroxypropyl cellulose (HPC). The dendronized polymers were studied as nanosized objects using atomic force microscopy (AFM) and it was found that the dendron end-group functionality had a large effect on the molecular conformation on surfaces of spun cast molecules. ATRP of vinyl monomers was conducted from an initiator-functionalized HPC and an initiator-functionalized first generation dendron, which was attached to HPC. The produced comb polymers showed high molecular weight and their sizes could be estimated via AFM of spun cast molecules on mica and from dynamic light scattering in solution, to around 100-200 nm. The comb polymers formed isoporous membranes, exhibiting pores of a few micrometers, when drop cast from a volatile solvent in a humid environment. HPC was also used to initiate ROP of ε-caprolactone, which was chain extended using ATRP to achieve amphiphilic comb block copolymers. These polymers could be suspended in water, cross-linked and were able to solubilize a hydrophobic compound. / QC 20100826

<p>The use of synthetic materials for tissue and organ reconstruction, i. e. tissue engineering, has become a promising alternative to current surgical therapies and may overcome the shortcomings of the methods in use today. The challenge is in the design and reproducible fabrication of biocompatible and bioresorbable polymers, with suitable surface chemistry, desirable mechanical properties, and the wanted degradation profile. These material properties can be achieved in various manners, including the synthesis of homo- and copolymers along with linear and star-shaped architectures. In many applications the materials’ three-dimensional structure is almost as important as its composition and porous scaffolds with high porosity and interconnected pores that facilitate the in-growth of cells and transportation of nutrients and metabolic waste is desired.</p><p>In this work linear and star-shaped polymers have been synthesized by ring-opening polymerization using a stannous-based catalyst and a spirocyclic tin initiator. A series of linear copolymers with various combinations of 1,5-dioxepane-2-one (DXO), Llactide (LLA) and ε-caprolactone (CL) have been polymerized using stannous octoate as catalyst. It is shown that the composition of the polymers can be chosen in such a manner that the materials’ mechanical and thermal properties can be predetermined. A solvent-casting and particulate leaching scaffold preparation technique has been developed and used to create three-dimensional structures with interconnected pores. The achieved physical properties of these materials’ should facilitate their use in both soft and hard tissue regeneration.</p><p>Well defined star-shaped polyesters have been synthesized using a spirocyclic tin initiator where L-lactide was chosen as a model system for the investigation of the polymerization kinetics. Neither the temperature nor the solvent affects the molecular weight or the molecular weight distribution of the star-shaped polymers, which all show a molecular weight distribution below 1.19 and a molecular weight determined by the initial monomer-to-initiator concentration.</p>

<p>Cross-linked films of ε-caprolactone (CL) and 1,5-dioxepan-2-one (DXO) having various mole fractions of monomers and different cross-link densities were prepared using 2,2’-bis-(-caprolactone-4-yl) propane (BCP) as cross-linking agent and Sn(Oct)2 as catalyst. Reaction parameters were examined to optimize the film-forming conditions. Networks obtained were elastomeric materials, easy to cast and remove from the mould. Effect of CL content and cross-link density on the final properties of the polymer network was evaluated. Thermal, mechanical and surface properties of the films were controlled by monomer feed composition and cross-link density. The films have potential to be used for tissue engineering applications as shown by preliminary cell growth studies. To avoid organometallic catalysts in the synthesis of poly(1,5-dioxepan-2-one) (PDXO), the enzyme-catalyzed ring-opening polymerization (ROP) of DXO was performed with lipase-CA (derived from Candida antarctica) as a biocatalyst. A linear relationship between number-average molecular weight (Mn) and monomer conversion was observed, which suggested that the product molecular weight can be controlled by the stoichiometry of the reactants. The monomer consumption followed a first-order rate law with respect to monomer and no chain termination occurred. Effect of reaction water content, enzyme concentration and polymerization temperature on monomer conversion and polymer properties was studied. An initial activation by heating the enzyme was sufficient to start the polymerization as monomer conversion occurred at room temperature afterwards. Terminal-functionalized polyesters and tri-block polyesters were synthesized by lipase-CA catalyzed ROP of DXO and CL in the presence of an appropriate alcohol as initiator. Alcohol bearing unsaturation introduced a double bond at the chain end of the polyester, which is a useful pathway to synthesize comb polymers. Dihydroxyl compounds were used as macro-initiators to form tri-block polyesters. The enzyme-catalyzed polymerization of lactones has been shown to be a useful method to synthesize metal-free polyesters.</p>

This thesis describes the synthesis and characterisation of novel mono and dinuclear homogenous [Zn(II)] and [In(III)] metal complexes. Their applications as catalysts for CO₂/epoxide or epoxide/anhydride ring opening copolymerisation and lactide ring opening polymerisation to generate polycarbonates and polyesters, respectively, are also reported. Chapter 3 reports the first indium phosphasalen catalysts for CO₂/cyclohexene oxide ring opening copolymerization. The catalysts are active at 1 bar pressure of CO₂ and are most effective without any co-catalyst. It is also possible to use the complexes to isolate and characterise the key intermediates in the catalytic cycle. Kinetic and spectroscopic analyses show that polymerisation proceeds via a rare cis-mononuclear coordination- insertion mechanism. Chapter 4 describes a series of mono and dinuclear zinc macrocycle catalysts with very high activities for the racemic lactide ring opening polymerisation. In most cases, the dinuclear zinc catalysts significantly out-perform the mono-zinc homologue. In addition, kinetic and spectroscopic investigations suggest a role for the ligand conformation in mediating rate. The catalysts perform very well under immortal conditions and operate at low catalyst loading, whilst conserving high activities. Chapter 5 presents four dinuclear zinc acetate salen catalysts for the ring opening copolymerisation of CO₂/cyclohexene oxide and phthalic anhydride/cyclohexene oxide. The catalysts show moderate activities for CO₂/epoxide copolymerisation but are highly active for epoxide/anhydride copolymerisation. Structure/activity relationship studies reveal that the more flexible and electron donating ligand displays the highest activity. Poly(ester-b-carbonate)s are also afforded using the most active catalyst in terpolymerisations of anhydride/epoxide/CO₂.

Made available in DSpace on 2014-08-20T14:30:15Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Dissertacao_Fernanda_Barbosa_Leal.pdf: 806160 bytes, checksum: 37717162c453100433c520a8c9d199ef (MD5) Previous issue date: 2012-12-19 / The aim of this study was synthesize, characterize and photopolymerize an alternative monomers for use in dentistry. Three siloxane-oxirane monomers were synthesized and the products conversion was followed by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. The products obtained were characterized by 1H and 13C NMR and evaluated for viscosity and refractive index. The polymerization was evaluated by formulating of two experimental photoinitiation systems wich varied for the presence of 1,2 ethanediol. A ternary system with camphorquinone (CQ), ethyl 4-dimethylaminobenzoate (EDAB) and diphenyliodonium hexafluorphosphate (DPI) was used as control. The degree of conversion was accessed by FTIR and DSC-PCA. The NMR confirmed the synthesis success with 75, 87 and 55% yield for the monomers synthesized. Moreover, the presence of 1,2 ethanediol increase the degree conversion of the siloxane-oxirane monomers. This study showed simple and effective way to synthesize siloxane-oxirane monomers with a high potential for application in dental materials / O objetivo deste estudo foi sintetizar, caracterizar e fotopolimerizar monômeros alternativos para aplicação em Odontologia. Três monômeros siloxano-oxiranos foram sintetizados e a conversão de produtos foi acompanhada por espectroscopia de infravermelho por transformada de Fourier. Os produtos obtidos foram caracterizados por 1H e 13C RMN e avaliados quanto à viscosidade e índice de refração. Para investigar a polimerização, dois sistemas experimentais de fotoiniciação foram formulados, variando quanto à presença de 1,2 etanodiol. Um sistema ternário composto por canforoquinona (CQ), 4-dimetilaminobenzoato (EDAB) e difeniliodonio hexafluorfostato (DPI) foi utilizado como controle. O grau de conversão foi obtido por FTIR e DSC-PCA. As análises de RMN confirmaram a obtenção dos produtos com 75, 87 e 55% de rendimento. Além disso, a presença de 1,2 etanodiol aumentou o grau de conversão dos monômeros siloxano-oxiranos. Este estudo demonstrou um método simples e eficaz para sintetizar monômeros siloxano-oxiranos com grande potencial para aplicação em materiais dentários

Cette thèse porte sur la valorisation de dérivés d’acides gras dans l’objectif d’élaborer des matériaux polycarbonates aliphatiques (PCAs) bio-sourcés originaux. Dans cette optique, deux plateformes de carbonates cycliques à 6 chaînons (6CCs) ont été synthétisés en utilisant des voies d’accès impliquant soit la formation d’un intermédiaire de type malonate ou un couplage entre un acide gras et le 2-amino-1,3-propanediol. La polymérisation par ouverture de cycle de ces monomères a été étudiée. La première plateforme de 6CCs a été polymérisée en présence de Sn(Oct)2 comme catalyseur, donnant accès à des polycarbonates de faible Tg allant de -61°C jusqu’à-26°C du fait de longues chaines latérales pendantes. La polymérisation de la seconde plateforme de6CCs a été effectuée de manière contrôlée en utilisant un système catalytique composé de la DBU et d’une thio-urée. Tirant profit de ces polycarbonates aliphatiques bio-sourcés linéaires porteurs d’insaturations, des matériaux originaux réticulés ont été synthétisés. Plusieurs méthodes de réticulation ont été testées telles que le couplage thiol-ène irréversible, la réaction de Diels-Alder thermo-réversible et la cyclo-addition photo-réversible [2+2] entre deux groupements cinnamate.Ainsi, des PCAs réticulés issus d’acides gras ont été synthétisés et caractérisés; ces derniers possèdent des propriétés physico-chimiques modulables selon la nature des monomères de départ etla densité de réticulation des réseaux. / Fatty acids were derivatized with the objective to design bio-based aliphatic polycarbonate(APC) materials. To that purpose, two platforms of lipidic 6-membered cyclic carbonates were prepared following synthetic routes either involving the ring-closure of a malonate intermediate or the coupling reaction between a fatty acid and 2-amino-1,3-propanediol. The ring-openingpolymerization (ROP) of these cyclic carbonates was next investigated. The first platform of 6CCswas polymerized in the presence of Sn(Oct)2 as catalyst, yielding low Tg aliphatic polycarbonates ranging from -61°C to -26°C with respect to the size of the pendant aliphatic side chains. The polymerization of the second lipidic 6CC platform was performed in a controlled fashion using DBU/Schreiner thiourea as catalytic system. Taking advantage of the presence of unsaturation functions on the linear bio-based APCs, cross-linked polycarbonate materials were then prepared.Several cross-linking methods were tested such as the irreversible thiol-ene coupling, the thermoreversible Diels-Alder reaction and the photo-reversible [2+2] cyclo-addition reaction between two cinnamate moieties. Fatty acid-based cross-linked APCs were thus designed and characterized; the latter exhibit tunable physico-chemical properties as a function of the monomer structure and the cross-linking density.

Le domaine des polymères biosourcés connait une croissance rapide mais se pose toujours le problème d’une synthèse plus respectueuse de l’environnement. En cela, la catalyse enzymatique est une voie prometteuse. Ce travail vise donc à étudier et comprendre la polymérisation enzymatique par ouverture de cycle (eROP) afin d’en dépasser les limitations qui sont principalement : une cinétique lente, une faible masse molaire des polymères obtenus ou une variété limitée des fonctions chimiques polymérisables. La première partie de notre étude, portant sur les lactones, a mis en évidence la possibilité d’activer la réaction via une amine tertiaire. La seconde, qui traite des thiolactones, a mis en exergue des mécanismes spécifiques de copolymérisation avec plusieurs étapes de croissance de chaînes. Enfin, nous avons synthétisé des polyesters porteurs d’acides aminés, ouvrant ainsi la voie à des polymères « fonctionnalisables » et à de nouvelles architectures macromoléculaires. / The field of biobased polymers is experiencing a rapid growth but the development of more environmentally friendly synthesis methods remains a problem. With this in mind, enzymatic catalysis is a promising tool but it has some limitations such as slow polymerization kinetics, the low molecular weight of the produced polymers and a limited range of polymerizable monomers. This work aims at a better understanding of the enzymatic ring opening polymerization reactions (eROP) with a view to overcoming these limitations. To achieve this, three main topics have been investigated. The first, focusing on lactones, has demonstrated the possibility of activating the polymerization reaction with a tertiary amine. The second part, dealing with thiolactones as sulfur-based monomers, highlighted specific copolymerization mechanisms comprising of several distinct steps of polymer chain growth. Finally, polyesters bearing amino acids were synthesized, thus paving the way for functionalizable polymers and new macromolecular architectures.

Une série de complexes à base de titane porteurs de ligands aminodiols de différentes configuration (mélange de diastéréoisomère, meso, racémique ou chiral) ont été synthétisés et caractérisés par différentes techniques spectroscopiques. Ces complexes ont ensuite été utilisés comme amorceurs pour la polymérisation par ouverture de cycles de différents monomères hétérocycliques (L/rac-lactide, caprolactone, butyrolactone et triméthylène carbonate) via un mécanisme de coordination-insertion. Tous les complexes se sont révélés efficaces pour la polymérisation des lactides que ce soit en solution à 70°C ou en masse à 130°C avec un bon contrôle. Lors de la polymérisation du rac-lactide, le complexe porteur du ligand racémique a permis d‟obtenir un polylactide partiellement heterotactique, alors que tous les autres complexes n‟ont conduit qu‟à des polymères atactiques. Tous les complexes se sont également révélés très actifs pour la polymérisation de la caprolactone aussi bien en solution qu‟en masse à 70°C avec un bon contrôle. Des études cinétiques réalisées en solution ont permis de mettre en évidence un ordre cinétique unitaire en monomère. De bonnes activités ont également été obtenues pour la polymérisation de la butyrolactone et du triméthylène carbonate. De plus, le bon contrôle de ce type de la polymérisation a permis de synthétiser des copolymères à blocs du L/rac-lactide et de caprolactone. Enfin, la copolymérisation aléatoire de ces 2 monomères a permis de mettre en évidence une réactivité inversée par rapport aux réactions d'homopolymérisation. / A series of titanium isopropoxides complexes coordinated by enantiopure, racemic, meso and diastereomeric aminodiol ligands have been prepared and characterized by spectroscopic techniques. The complexes were tested as initiators for the ring opening polymerization (ROP) of cyclic esters such as L/rac-lactide, caprolactone, butyrolactone and trimethylene carbonate via coordination-insertion mechanism. In lactide polymerizations, all complexes showed significant activity both in solution at 70°C and in bulk at 130°C with a good control. The complex derived from rac-aminodiol ligand gave partially heterotactic polylactide in ROP of rac-lactide, whereas all other complexes yielded atactic polylactides. For caprolactone polymerizations, all complexes were found to be effective initiators under both solution and bulk conditions (up to 60% monomer conversion was reached within 10 min in bulk condition at 70°C), again with good control. Kinetic studies of ROP of lactides and caprolactone in solution conditions have been investigated and showed a first kinetic order in monomer. Significant activities were also observed for (ROP) of butyrolactone and trimethylene carbonate. Block copolymers of caprolactone and lactides were successfully synthesized with these catalytic systems by sequential polymerization techniques. The complexes were also tested as initiators for the production of random copolymers containing caprolactone and lactides and a reverse order of reactivity was observed between lactide and caprolactone compared to homopolymerization.

Une série d'homopolymères tels que poly(L-lactide) (PLLA), poly(triméthylène carbonate) (PTMC), poly (e-caprolactone) (PCL) et les copolymers ont été synthétisés par polymérisation par ouverture de cycles de monomère appropriés en utilisant du zinc lactate ou octanoate d'étain comme catalyseur. Leurs propriétés thermiques, dégradation hydrolytique, dégradation enzymatique, propriétés mécaniques et comportement à mémoire de forme ont été étudiées à l'aide de DSC, RMN, SEC, ESEM, DMA et machine à traction Instron. Les copolymères de triméthylène carbonate et DL-lactide (PTDLA) peuvent être dégradés non seulement par simple hydrolyse, mais aussi par la protéinase K. Le copolymère PTDLA composé de 50/50 TMC/LA est très élastique, Tg servant de température de transition entre les formes temporaire et permanente. Le PTMC ne peut pas être dégradé par simple hydrolyse ou par la protéinase K, mais peut être dégradé par les lipases de Candida Antarctica et Hog Pancreas. La biocompatibilité des PLLA, PTMC, PCL, PTLLA, PTDLA et PTCA a été évaluée par des expériences d'hémolyse, adhésion des plaquettes, MTT et culture cellulaire. Les résultats montrent des tous les polymères présentent très bonnes propriétés hémolytiques et anti-coagulantes, bonne adhésion, propagation et prolifération des cellules. / A series of homopolymers such as poly(L-lactide) (PLLA), poly(trimethylene carbonate) (PTMC), poly(e-caprolactone) (PCL) and various copolymers were synthesized by ring opening polymerization of appropriate monomer feeds using zinc lactate or stannous octoate as catalyst. Their thermal properties, hydrolytic degradation, enzymatic degradation, mechanical properties and shape memory behavior were investigated by using DSC, NMR, SEC, ESEM, DMA and Instron tensile instrument. Among the various polymers, copolymers of trimethylene carbonate and DL-lactide (PTDLA) can be degraded not only by pure hydrolysis, but also by proteinase K. PTDLA composed of the same TMC and LA contents is highly elastic, Tg acting as the switch temperature between temporary and permanent shapes. PTMC cannot be degraded by pure hydrolysis or by proteinase K, but can be degraded by lipases from Candida Antarctica or Hog Pancreas. The biocompatibility of PLLA, PTMC, PCL, PTLLA, PTDLA and PTCA was evaluated from haemolysis experiments, platelet adhesion, MTT assay and cell culture. The results showed that all the polymers present outstanding haemolytic and anti-coagulant properties, and good cellular adhesion, spreading and proliferation.

L'objectif de ces travaux était de mettre au point une nouvelle voie de modification de la silice comme renfort d'élastomères silicones. La polymérisation par ouverture de cyclosiloxanes anionique (POCA) amorcée directement à partir de la silice dispersée en phase aqueuse a été réalisée. Les caractéristiques des silices utilisées dans cette étude ainsi que leur comportement en dispersion aqueuse ont tout d'abord été étudiés. La silice affiche des groupements silanolates à la surface de la silice pour des pH supérieurs au point de charge nulle. A pH 7, ces groupements silanolates en surface sont capables d'amorcer une polymérisation des cyclosiloxanes, et pas en suspension aqueuse. L'influence du contre-ion et de sa concentration sur le greffage obtenu s'est avérée primordiale, en complément des propriétés adsorbantes de la silice via les liaisons siloxanes. Les silices obtenues par ce nouveau procédé ont fait l'objet d'analyses poussées par thermogravimétrie, fragmentation-CPG, 29Si RMN simple impulsion et pyrolyse CPG-SM dans le but de décrire précisément la conformation du greffage. Le procédé a été transféré à plus grande échelle pour permettre la production d'importantes quantités de silice qui ont ensuite été incorporées dans une matrice silicone. Des limites de densités de greffage au-delà et en deçà desquelles la silice est mal dispersée dans le matériau ont été mises en évidence par traitement d'image. Les propriétés des élastomères ont été évaluées à partir de tests de dureté, de traction uniaxiale, de traction cyclique et de résistance à la déchirure dans le but d'étudier l'influence du greffage (conformation et groupements vinylés) sur le renforcement. / This work deals with a new way of modifying silica surface in a view to reinforce silicone elastomers. The surface-initiated ring-opening-polymerization (Si-ROP) of cyclosiloxanes was performed directly from the surface of silica dispersed in water. The characteristics of silica used in this study and their behavior in aqueous dispersion were first studied. For pH higher than the Point of Zero Charge, silica presents silanolate groups at its surface that are able to initiate the ROP of cyclosiloxanes from the surface, and not in aqueous suspension. The influence of the counter-cation and its concentration proved to be essential, in addition to silica's adsorbing properties. Modified silicas obtained by this new process were deeply analyzed by thermogravimetric analyses (TGA), fragmentation-GC, simple impulsion 29Si RMN and pyrolysis GC-MS in order to describe precisely the grafting conformation. The polymerization process was then scaled up to produce higher quantities of modified silica, which were incorporated in a model silicone formulation. Highest and lowest grafting densities tended to poor silica dispersions, as shown by image treatment. Hardness tests, uniaxial tensile and cyclic tests and tear resistance tests were performed in order to evaluate the influence of the grafting (conformation and vinylated groups) on silicone elastomers properties.