Synthesis and physicochemical characterization of branched poly(monomethyl itaconate)

The synthesis and characterization of branched polymers derived from poly (monomethyl itaconate) (PMMI) are reported. Important changes in the properties of the functionalized products were found with respect to the base polymer, establishing a close relationship with the hydrophobic/hydrophilic balance of the products. The intrinsic viscosity of the branched PMMI showed an increment in its hydrodynamic volume due to the insertion of branched molecules, which correspond to a first generation of dendrons. Their incorporation into the polymer chain caused a change in the surface energy values of the sample films and enabled the products to form stable monolayers at the air-water interface.