Hyperbranched polymers containing silicon atoms

Abstract: An exchange reaction of hydroxyl and alkoxysilane is used as a polymerization avenue yielding hyperbranched polymers. A monomer containing hydroxyl alcohol functionality and alkoxy functionality attached to a silicon atom in the monomer is employed and a simple exchange reaction with driving off of alcohol by-product leads to the desired hyperbranched polymerization and materials.

Description: This invention is directed to hyperbranched polymers containing silicon atoms. Recent developments in macromolecular architecture have led to progress in dendritic macromolecules including dendrimers and hyperbranched structures. These highly branched macromolecules are characterized by their non-linear structure, which prevents crystallization and minimizes chain entanglements. As a result, these macromolecules display an unusual viscosity profile and solubility behavior, when compared to high molecular weight typical linear polymers. Furthermore, unlike linear polymers, the number of functional end-groups in these highly branch macromolecules is directly proportional to their molecular weight. Thus, the potential for high numbers of functional groups and the overall globular nature of these types of materials are advantageous in applications related to surface activity, adhesion, rheology control and cure. Hyperbranched polymers, however, differ from dendrimers in their synthetic approach and in the degree of regularity in their structure. As a result, hyperbranched polymers are much easier to make, but their molecular weight distribution at higher molecular weights approaches infinity, compared to dendrimers, which are made tediously one generation at a time and often with several protection and unprotection steps, extensive purification steps; but the results are a molecular weight distribution close to unity. Thus, hyperbranched polymers are more cost effective and, therefore, are more suitable on a larger scale for most commercial applications. All synthetic approaches to hyperbranched polymers up until now have been based on a divergent method, wherein a monomer having precisely two types of functional groups react one with the other, but do not react with themselves, and having an overall functionality that is greater than two. Most simple suitable monomers of this type contain a single A functional group and two B functional groups, i.e., an AB 2 type monomer. Such a divergent method is represented by the schematic reaction of Figure 1. According to this scenario, if the monomer has a higher number of functional groups, a more dense structure is possible. Thus, a monomer containing a single A functional group and three B functional groups, i.e., an AB 3 type monomer, it would lead to a higher branching density upon polymerization and a higher concentration of the B functional group on the surface of the resulting polymer. In principle, therefore, AB x type polymers can be prepared wherein x can be any integer with a value greater than two. Another key advantage of a hyperbranched polymer is the fact that the degree of branching can be controlled by increasing the free chain length between the functional groups. This alternative minimizes the crowding effect and allows the production of higher molecular weight polymers. Due to the large number of branches in such materials, the hydrodynamic volume of a hyperbranched polymer is smaller than that of a linear polymer of the same molar mass. This different relationship between the volume and molecular weight can be directly correlated with differences observed in viscosity, solubility and other physical properties of hyperbranched polymers. However, most hyperbranched polymers have been prepared by the polycondensation reaction of functional groups such as polyesters, ethers and amides, with some hyperbranched polymers having been derived via C-C bonds. Some hyperbranched polymers have been prepared wherein a silane is used as a protective group during preparation of the monomer. For example, hyperbranched aromatic polycarbonates have been prepared by the polymerization of an A 2 B monomer derived from 1,1,1-tris(4-hydroxyphenyl)-ethane CH 3 C(C 6 H 4 OH) 3 , in which one of the three phenol groups was protected by a trialkylsiloxy group, i.e., -OSi(CH 3 ) 3 , in preparing the monomer, which was then removed prior to its polymerization. Only relatively few hyperbranched polymers containing the silicon atom in their complex structure are known and these materials are based on a hydrosilylation reaction of silanes and siloxanes containing vinyl and Si-H functionality, respectively. As a result, this particular type of hyperbranched polymer contains a carbosilane linkage, i.e., ≡Si-CH 2 -. On the other hand, and in contrast, the present invention is directed to a new type of hyperbranched polymer having a basic structure containing an ≡Si-O-C≡ linkage. The present invention relates to a method of making a hyperbranched polymer containing a silicon atom comprising polymerizing an organosilicon compound comprising (i) a single carbinol group and at least two, preferably 2 or 3, alkoxy groups or (ii) a single alkoxy group and at least two, preferably 2 or 3, carbinol groups. Polymerization yielding hyperbranched polymers in accordance with this invention is based on an exchange reaction between the hydroxyl and alkoxy groups of a silane monomer. Suitable monomers as shown below contain an alcohol (hydroxyl) functionality and an alkoxy functionality attached to the silicon atom of the monomer in an appropriate ratio and a simple exchange reaction driving off alcohol as a by-product leads to the desired hyperbranched polymerization. An exemplary monomer is the following molecule wherein R 1 and R 2 each represent an alkyl radical or an aryl radical; R 3 represents an organic radical consisting of carbon, hydrogen, and optionally one or more atoms selected from oxygen, sulfur, and nitrogen; and n has a value of 3 or 4. By designating the alcohol portion of this molecule as A and the silyl-alkoxy portion of the molecule as B, a monomer of this type leads to AB 2 type hyperbranched structures. It is also possible to use monomers having three alkoxy groups on the central silicon atom, which upon polymerization, leads to AB 3 type polymeric structures, provided all alkoxy groups have reacted. Otherwise, hyperbranched structures between AB 2 and AB 3 type monomers develop. In principle at least, it is also possible to employ monomeric silanes having several alcohol groups and only a single alkoxy group, in which case, polymerization yields A 2 B and A 3 B type structures. Generically, suitable monomeric silanes which can be employed according to the present invention can be described as being of the type having the formula (RO) a R' (4-a-b) SiX b wherein R and R' represent an alkyl radical or an aryl radical; X represents an organic radical containing an alcohol group; and the subscripts a and b represent integers having a value from 1 to 3, provided the sum of a and b has a value greater than 2 and is equal to or less than 4. The organic radical of X preferable represents an organic radical consisting of carbon, hydrogen, and optionally one or more atoms selected from oxygen, sulfur, and nitrogen In addition to such monomeric silanes, corresponding polysiloxanes can also be used, in which case, the number of dialkyl siloxane units, i.e., "D" units R 2 SiO 2/2 , in the polysiloxane is not critical, but serve as linear chains between the branches of the resulting hyperbranched products. As an example of some suitable polysiloxanes of this type which can be employed herein, reference may be had to US Patent 4,883,854 (November 28, 1989), for polysiloxanes prepared by a method in which amines, including aminofunctional polysiloxane fluids, are reacted with ethylene carbonate or propylene carbonate to produce hydroxy-alkyl-type urethanes. Similar polysiloxanes are also described in Kokai Patent HEI JP-A 02-047371 (February 16, 1990), wherein amino-modified silicone oils are mixed with ethylene carbonate or propylene carbonate at a temperature between 40-80°C. for 1-4 hours. US Patent 5,290,901 (March 1, 1994) may also be referred to for additional methods of preparing hydroxyl-functional polysiloxanes by reacting a cyclic silyl ether, such as 2,2,4-trimethyl-1-oxa-silacyclopentane and a silanol. Some other suitable derivatized siloxanes, as well as derivatized silanes, which are useful herein as monomeric starting materials are taught in US Patent 5,174,813 (December 29, 1992). In a preferred embodiment the present invention relates to a method of making a silicon atom containing hyperbranched polymer by polymerizing a derivatized aminofunctional organosilicon compound to yield a carbinol functional group. In one embodiment, the derivatized aminofunctional organosilicon compound is made by reacting an amine functional silane or an amine functional polysiloxane with a derivative of carbonic acid, such as ethylene carbonate or propylene carbonate, shown respectively below: Polymerization of the derivatized aminofunctional organosilicon compound proceeds by exchange of the alkoxy group with the carbinol functional group, whereby by-product alcohol is formed and is removed. In an other embodiment, the derivatized aminofunctional organosilicon compound is made by reacting an amine functional silane or an amine functional polysiloxane with a cyclic lactone such as β-propiolactone, γ-butyrolactone, γ-valerolactone and γ-caprolactone, shown respectively below: Cyclic lactones having a closed-ring structure containing six members can also be employed, if desired, such as lactide or glycolide. As previously noted, polymerization of the derivatized aminofunctional organosilicon compound proceeds by exchange of the alkoxy group with the carbinol functional group, whereby by-product alcohol is formed and is removed. An example of two especially preferred monomer types derived from propylene carbonate according to the present invention are shown below: An example of two additional and especially preferred γ-butyrolactone derived monomer types according to the present invention are shown below: The invention also relates to hyperbranched polymers containing silicon atoms made by such methods. Hyperbranched polymers according to this invention which are derived from a derivative of carbonic acid include units of the formula wherein R'' is an alkyl group containing 1-4 carbon atoms such as methyl, ethyl, propyl and butyl; phenyl; or a substituted alkyl group such as phenylmethyl, phenylbutyl, chloromethyl, methoxy, ethoxy, methylamino, hydroxyethyl and carboxyethyl; R''' is an alkylene radical, i.e., -C m H 2m -, m is 3 or 4 carbon atoms; R'''' is hydrogen or an alkyl group containing 1-4 carbon atoms; and c has a value of 2 or 3 and d is zero or one. Hyperbranched polymers according to this invention which are derived from a cyclic lactone include units of the formula wherein R'', R''', R'''', c, d and m are the same as defined above and e is 2, 3 or 4. Figure 1 is a representation of a reaction for making hyperbranched polymers. Figure 2 is a representation of the ideal structure of an AB 3 hyperbranched polymer made in Example 1 in a method according to the present invention. Figure 3 is a representation of the ideal structure of an AB 2 hyperbranched polymer made in Examples 2 and 3 in a method according to the present invention. Figure 4 is a representation of the ideal structure of an AB 3 hyperbranched polymer made in Example 5 in a method according to the present invention. According to the present invention, high molecular weight hyperbranched polymers are prepared and can be rearranged to form either stable covalently linked polymer networks or low molecular weight oligomers. Unlike the typical dendrimer, these AB x type hyperbranched polymers can be easily prepared in a one step synthesis using readily available and relatively inexpensive starting materials. Conversion of the hyperbranched structure to stable networks. i.e., rearrangement from ≡Si-O-C linkages to an ≡Si-O-Si≡ network, occurs upon exposure to water in the presence of an acid or a base catalyst and the hydrolysis and polycondensation of these linkages leads to a stable siloxane network. In the presence of an alcohol, hydrolysis followed by alcoholosis leads to the complete depolymerization and the formation of only low molecular weight oligomers. The particular type of carbinol (hydroxy) functional silane or carbinol (hydroxy) functional siloxane, as well as methods for their preparation, are not critical, provided provision is specially made to insure that alkoxy functional groups present in these monomeric species are not allowed to hydrolyze and condense forming siloxane linkages, i.e., ≡Si-O-Si≡. The term "carbinol" as used herein is intended to mean hydroxyl groups bound to carbon, i.e., ≡C-OH, as distinguished from hydroxyl groups bound to silicon, i.e., ≡Si-OH, which are "silanols". Thus, the formation of excessive siloxane linkages leads to an irreversible gelation. Provided no self-condensation, or a very small amount, takes place, the alcohol by-product is removed from the mixture, resulting in a hyperbranched polymer of the type shown in Figure 1. The degree of polymerization in such a reaction is directly proportional to the amount of alcohol that is removed. The hyperbranched polymers of this invention have benefits and advantages related to the possession of a low viscosity and a high degree of functionality, even at high molecular weight. In addition, structural rearrangements are particularly useful in adhesion applications, in the resin toughening and cure of polysiloxanes where by-products are undesired and in surface active applications such as antifoams, bio-erodibles, carrier agents and compatibilizers. The following examples are set forth in order to illustrate the present invention in more detail, including the specifics in methods for preparing hyperbranched polymers according to this invention. Example 1 - AB 3 type monomer An AB 3 type monomer was prepared in a one liter 3-neck flask equipped with a thermometer, a nitrogen adapter, an air powered stirrer and a water cooled condenser, by charging to the flask 380.3 grams (1.72 moles) of monomer precursor 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane H 2 N(CH 2 ) 3 Si(OCH 2 CH 3 ) 3 and 175.38 grams (1.72 moles) of propylene carbonate. This mixture was allowed to stir overnight with no heat under a nitrogen blanket. Upon overnight standing, the viscosity of the mixture increased. This material was checked for complete reaction of the amine groups on the aminopropyltriethoxysilane by titration of the mixture with a phenolphthalein solution. The phenolphthalein solution was mixed by dissolving 0.1 grams of phenolphthalein in 100 grams of ethanol and mixing six milliliters of the resulting solution with one gallon (3.785 liter) of 50/50 butanol/toluene. This check revealed no basic nature to the mixture, which is indicative of complete derivatization of amino groups. Polymerization of the thusly prepared AB 3 type monomer depicted above to a high molecular weight hyperbranched polymer was accomplished by attaching a Dean-Stark trap to the flask and heating the contents of the flask with no catalyst to 90°C. with a nitrogen sweep. The rate of nitrogen flow was controlled with a bubbler in combination with a rubber septum over the condenser, into which a hypodermic needle was inserted. This allowed the flow of nitrogen to escape from the condenser and ethanol was condensed and collected in the Dean-Stark trap. After two hours of heating with a nitrogen sweep, 19 milliliters of ethanol was recovered. The resulting viscous, hyperbranched polymeric liquid was analyzed by gel permeation chromatography (GPC). The molecular weight (Mn) of the polymer was 1.378 x 10 3 and its polydispersity (Mw/Mn) was 2.54. Further evidence for the hyperbranched structure was derived from an analysis of the polymer by 29 Si NMR and 13 C NMR. The 29 Si NMR spectrum revealed a four peak spectrum, indicative of unbranched, single branch, double branch and triple branch silicon atoms, with less than one percent siloxane condensation. The 13 C NMR indicated that the desired reaction had been accomplished, indicated by the appearance of a peak associated with a carbon attached to a carbonyl group, i.e., =C=0, at between 156.53 and 155.22 ppm. The polymer prepared according to this example had a structure as illustrated in Figure 2 of the drawing. Example 2 - AB 2 type monomer An AB 2 type monomer was prepared in a 500 milliliter 3-neck flask equipped with a thermometer, a nitrogen adapter, an air powered stirrer and a water cooled condenser, by charging to the flask 40.0 grams (.209 moles) of monomer precursor 3-aminopropylmethyldiethoxysilane H 2 N(CH 2 ) 3 (CH 3 )Si(OCH 2 CH 3 ) 2 and 21.34 grams (.209 moles) of propylene carbonate. This mixture was allowed to stir overnight with no heat under a nitrogen blanket. Upon overnight standing, the viscosity of the mixture increased. This material was checked for complete derivatization of amine groups on the aminopropylmethyldiethoxysilane by titration of the mixture with the same phenolphthalein solution used in Example 1. This check revealed no basic nature to the mixture, which is indicative of complete derivatization of amino groups. Polymerization of the resulting AB 2 type monomer depicted above to a high molecular weight hyperbranched polymer was accomplished by attaching a Dean-Stark trap to the flask and heating to 90°C. with a nitrogen sweep. The rate of nitrogen flow was controlled with a bubbler in combination with a rubber septum over the condenser into which a hypodermic needle was inserted. This allowed the flow of nitrogen to escape the condenser and ethanol was condensed and collected in the Dean-Stark trap. After heating overnight with a nitrogen sweep, 12.3 milliliters of ethanol was recovered. The high molecular weight hyperbranched polymer had a glass transition temperature T g of -30°C. and a melting point of 124°C. Example 3 - AB 2 type monomer An AB 2 type monomer was prepared in a 500 milliliter 3-neck flask equipped with a thermometer, a nitrogen adapter, an air powered stirrer and a water cooled condenser, by charging to the flask 51.21 grams (.27 moles) of monomer precursor 3-aminopropylmethyldiethoxysilane and 29.45 grams (.33 moles) of ethylene carbonate. This mixture was heated to 40°C. to melt the ethylene carbonate. The heat was turned off after one hour and the mixture was allowed to stir overnight with no heat and under a nitrogen blanket. Upon overnight standing, the viscosity of the mixture had increased and excess of ethylene carbonate had recrystallized in the flask. The material was filtered to remove excess ethylene carbonate. This material was checked for complete derivatization of amine groups on the aminopropylmethyldiethoxysilane by titration of the mixture with the same phenolphthalein solution used in Example 1. This check revealed no basic nature to the mixture, which is indicative of complete derivatization of amino groups. Polymerization of this AB 2 type monomer to a high molecular weight hyperbranched polymer was accomplished by attaching a Dean-Stark trap to the flask and heating to 90°C. with a nitrogen sweep. The rate of nitrogen flow was controlled with a bubbler in combination with a rubber septum over the condenser, into which a hypodermic needle was inserted. This allowed the flow of nitrogen to escape the condenser and ethanol was condensed and collected in the Dean-Stark trap. After heating overnight with a nitrogen sweep, 12.0 milliliters of ethanol had been recovered. The structure of AB 2 type polymers prepared according to Examples 2 and 3 is illustrated in Figure 3 of the accompanying drawing. The following additional examples are set forth in order to illustrate the present invention in more detail, including the specifics in methods for preparing hyperbranched polymers according to the second embodiment of the invention. Example 4 - AB 3 type monomer An AB 3 type monomer was prepared in a one liter 3-neck flask equipped with a thermometer, a nitrogen adapter, an air powered stirrer and a water cooled condenser, by charging to the flask 179.29 grams (1.00 mole) of monomer precursor 3-aminopropyltrimethoxysilane H 2 N(CH 2 ) 3 Si(OCH 3 ) 3 and 89.06 grams (1.00 mole) of γ-butyrolactone. This mixture was allowed to stir overnight with no heat under a nitrogen blanket. Upon overnight standing, the viscosity of the mixture increased. This material was checked for complete reaction of the amine groups on the aminopropyltri-methoxysilane by titration of the mixture with a phenolphthalein solution. The phenolphthalein solution was mixed by dissolving 0.1 grams of phenolphthalein in 100 grams of ethanol and mixing six milliliters of the resulting solution with one gallon (3.785 liter) of 50/50 butanol/toluene. This check revealed no basic nature to the mixture, which is indicative of complete derivatization of amino groups. Example 5 - AB 3 type polymer A sample of 20.0 gram of the monomer prepared in Example 4 was placed in a two ounce (∼ 60 ml) vial. The vial was sealed with a rubber septum and dry nitrogen was bubbled through the material in the vial for four hours. Methanol and excess nitrogen was vented through a hypodermic needle inserted through the septum. The molecular weight of the resulting hyperbranched polymer was controlled by the removal of methanol. The polymer prepared according to this example had a structure as illustrated in Figure 4 of the drawing. Some other examples of monomer precursor types AB 2 and AB 3 which are useful herein according to this invention, in addition to 3-aminopropylmethyldiethoxysilane, 3-amino-propyltrimethoxysilane and 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane, are 4-aminobutyltriethoxysilane, 3-[2-(2-aminoethylamino)-ethylamino]propyltrimethoxysilane, N-(2-aminoethyl)-3-aminoisobutylmethyldimethoxysilane, (aminoethylaminomethyl)-phenethyltrimethoxysilane, N-(2-aminoethyl)-3-aminopropylmethyldimethoxysilane, N-(2-aminoethyl)-3-aminopropyltrimethoxysilane, N-(2-aminoethyl)-3-aminopropyltris(2-ethylhexoxy)silane, N-(6-aminohexyl)-aminopropyltrimethoxysilane, m-aminophenyltrimethoxysilane, p-aminophenyltrimethoxysilane and O-aminophenyltrimethoxy-silane.

Claims: A method of making a hyperbranched polymer containing a silicon atom comprising polymerizing an organosilicon compound comprising (i) a single carbinol group and at least two alkoxy groups or (ii) a single alkoxy group and at least two carbinol groups. The method according to claim 1 characterized in that the organosilicon compound has the formula (RO) a R' (4-a-b) SiX b wherein R and R' represent an alkyl radical or an aryl radical; X represents an organic radical containing an alcohol group; and the subscripts a and b represent integers having a value from 1 to 3, provided the sum of a and b has a value greater than 2 and is equal to or less than 4. The method according to claim 1 characterized in that the organosilicon compound is a derivatized aminofunctional organosilicon compound which is made by reacting a precursor selected from an amine functional silane or an amine functional polysiloxane with a derivative of carbonic acid. The method of according to claim 1 characterized in that the organosilicon compound is a derivatized aminofunctional organosilicon compound which is made by reacting a precursor selected from an amine functional silane or an amine functional polysiloxane with a cyclic lactone. The method according to any of claims 1 to 4 characterized by further including the step of removing by-product alcohol formed during polymerization of the organosilicon compound. The method according to claim 4 characterized in that the cyclic lactone is selected from β-propiolactone, γ-butyrolactone, γ-valerolactone and γ-caprolactone. The method according to any of claims 3 to 6 characterized in that the amine functional silane compound precursor is selected from the group consisting of 3-aminopropylmethyldiethoxysilane, 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane, 4-aminobutyltriethoxysilane, 3-[2-(2-aminoethylamino)ethylamino]propyltrimethoxysilane, N-(2-aminoethyl)-3-aminoisobutylmethyldimethoxysilane, (aminoethylaminomethyl)phenethyltrimethoxysilane, N-(2-aminoethyl)-3-aminopropylmethyldimethoxysilane, N-(2-aminoethyl)-3-aminopropyltrimethoxysilane, N-(2-aminoethyl)-3-aminopropyltris(2-ethylhexoxy)silane, N-(6-aminohexyl)aminopropyltrimethoxysilane, m-aminophenyltrimethoxysilane, p-aminophenyltri-methoxysilane, o-aminophenyltrimethoxysilane and 3-aminopropyltrimethoxysilane. The method according to any of claims 3 and 5 to 7 characterized in that the derivative of carbonic acid is ethylene carbonate or propylene carbonate. The method according to claim 8 characterized in that the derivatized aminofunctional organosilicon compound is selected from: or The hyperbranched polymer obtainable by the method of any of claims 1 to 9. A hyperbranched polymer comprising units of the formula or wherein R'' is an alkyl group containing 1-4 carbon atoms, phenyl or a substituted alkyl group: R''' is an alkylene radical containing 3 or 4 carbon atoms; R'''' is hydrogen atom or an alkyl group containing 1-4 carbon atoms; c has a value of 2 or 3; d is zero or one; and e is 2, 3 or 4.

Inventors: DECKER GARY THOMAS, GRAVIER DANIEL, TSELEPIS ARTHUR JAMES, DECKER, GARY THOMAS, GRAVIER, DANIEL, TSELEPIS, ARTHUR JAMES
Applicants: DOW CORNING, DOW CORNING CORPORATION
Application year: 1999
Main classification: C08G83
IPC codes: C08G77, C08G83