POLYMER NETWORKS VIA CATIONIC RING-OPENING POLYMERIZATION

Three methods for the formation of polymer networks from bifunctionally growing polymers obtained by cationic ring‐opening polymerization are described. The first method is based on the irreversible inter‐molecular termination reaction of thietane polymerizations. Starting from bifunctionally living poly(THF) a new kind of polymer structure consisting of ABA block copolymers with cross‐linked A‐segments is obtained. The second method is the direct coupling of active species with primary amines or ammonia. The third method consists in transformation of the living end groups of poly(THF) into triethoxysilane end groups, followed by cross‐linking by addition of water and a trace of acid. Copyright © 1990 Hüthig & Wepf Verlag