Synthesis and Kinetic Simulation of Polyampholyte via Free Radical Random Copolymerization

Abstract

A polyampholyte was constructed using acrylic acid (AA) and 2-methyl methacrylate ethoxyethyl trimethylammonium chloride (DMC) as monomers by free radical random copolymerization. Through optimization of the synthesis conditions, characterization by Infrared spectroscopy, Thermogravimetric analysis, Differential scanning calorimetry, and construction of a reasonable model for kinetic simulation, the following conclusions were obtained: a ratio of 1 : 1 : 0.26% for AA, DMC, and K₂S₂O₈/NaHSO₃ was the best, and the diffusion behavior at room temperature could auto-heal damaged areas. The predicted glass transition temperature value matched well with the experimental value, indicating that the constructed molecular model and computational method could be applied to the study of the structure and properties of similar systems. The electrostatic interaction force was the main driving force for the diffusion process of this type of polymer, and through a microscopic model, it could be observed intuitively that under the traction of electrostatic forces, the molecular chains in the polymer were rearranged and underwent conformational changes, resulting in the reorganization of intermolecular interactions, thereby achieving the repair process of mechanical damage in the polymer network.