Synthesis and Properties of Poly(vinyl chloride)--polyethylene Multiblock Copolymers through the Hydrodechlorination of PVC with Silylium Ions.

Block copolymers of polyethylene (PE) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) have remained elusive materials despite PE and PVC being the first and third most produced polymers globally, respectfully. The closest material is chlorinated polyethylene (CPE), which is commonly used as a compatibilizer and is synthesized by functionalizing PE. However, there does not exist a synthetic pathway either from monomers or via the functionalization of PE to yield a polymer that has a controlled chlorine amount and primary structure along the polymer chain. Herein, we report a series of novel block copolymers of PVC and PE, synthesized through selective hydrodechlorination of PVC. Contrary to CPE, the full range of chlorination can be obtained, and the block number can be altered. Interfacial adhesion studies reveal samples with competitive compatibilization of PVC/polyolefin elastomer (POE) blends. This method shows that postpolymerization modification can be a strategic top-down synthesis to achieve high-performance polymers that cannot be synthesized via conventional polymerization pathways.