In this thesis, the author describes versatile and easy-to-use methods to control the properties of thermoresponsive polyacrylamides by developing novel synthetic methods for end-functionalized poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM) and block copolymers of poly(N,N-diethylacrylamide) (PDEAA). The synthesis of various urea end-functionalized PNIPAMs was achieved by the atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) and the click reaction. The phase transition temperature of PNIPAM in water was controlled depending on the strength of the hydrogen bonding of the urea groups introduced at the chain end of the polymer. Novel living polymerization methods for N,N-dimethylacrylamide and N,N-diethylacrylamide were developed by group transfer polymerization (GTP) using a strong Brønsted acid as a precatalyst and an amino silyl enolate as an initiator. This process enabled the precise synthesis of PDEAA and its block copolymersnamely, thermoresponsive amphiphilic block copolymers and double-hydrophilic block copolymers.

Nominated by Hokkaido University as an outstanding Ph.D. thesis Explains easy and versatile methods to control the thermoresponsive properties of polyacrylamides Furnishes useful results for further development of intelligent materials Includes supplementary material: sn.pub/extras

Inhalt
General introduction.- Control of Thermoresponsive Properties of Urea End-Functionalized Poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) Based on the Hydrogen Bond Assisted Self-Assembly in Water.- Precise Synthesis of Poly(N,N-Dimethylacrylamide) by Group Transfer Polymerization Using a Strong Brønsted Acid and an Amino Silyl Enolate.- Facile Synthesis of Thermoresponsive Block Copolymers Bearing Poly(N,N-diethylacrylamide) Segment through Group Transfer Polymerization.- Conclusions.