Study of degradation on deuteration of a diblock copolymer of polystyrene and poly(ethylene-alt-propylene)

This paper reports a method of selectively deuterating the aromatic ring in a diblock copolymer of polystyrene and poly(ethylene-alt-propylene). The molecular weight distribution and molecular weight of the copolymer were determined by size exclusion chromatography and the extent of deuteration by H-1 nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. High levels of deuteration were sought with minimal changes in molecular weight distribution. A range of deuteration experiments were performed, some of which produced significant changes in molecular weight of the diblock copolymer. Changes in molecular weight are discussed with reference to groups in the copolymer chain.