Abstract
This thesis presents new approaches for the preparation of PVDF-based architectures. The synthesis and characterization of different PVDF-based amphiphilic block copolymers and cyclic peptide-PVDF conjugates are described. RAFT/MADIX polymerization of gaseous VDF monomer and different chemistries were employed for the preparation of the BCPs. PVDF and P(VDF-co-HFP) ABA triblock copolymers were obtained through Thia-Michael addition by a “one-pot” strategy involving both PVDF-Xanthate (or P(VDF-co-HFP)-Xanthate) and PEG-diacrylates. PNIPAM-b-PVDF diblock copolymers were prepared by RAFT polymerization of VDF using PNIPAM macroCTAs. The synthesis of peptide sequences, cyclic peptide (CP) preparation and the synthesis of PVDF-CP conjugates is also described. The self-assembly in solution of all the novel PVDF-based BCPs and CPs was also studied. Finally, PVDF blend membranes were prepared by non-solvent induced phase-separation (NIPS) process using one of the amphiphilic BCPs as an additive. The performance of the membrane and evolution of membrane properties over a period of 9 months was also studied.