ABA Type Amphiphiles with Poly(2-Benzhydryl-2-Oxazine) Moieties: Synthesis, Characterization and Inverse Thermogelation

Thermoresponsive polymers are frequently discussed for various applications. Here, we introduce a novel amphiphilic triblock copolymer, which undergoes inverse thermogelation, i.e. is forms a physical gel upon cooling. The polymers comprises poly(2-benzhydryl-2-oxazine) as the hydrophobic building block, a polymer which has not been reported to date. The physical gels are surprisingly strong with a storage modulus of 22 kPa at 25 wt.% in water. In addition, relatively high yield and flow points were determined by rheology.