AQUEOUS STABLE FREE RADICAL POLYMERIZATION PROCESSES

An overview of aqueous polymerizations, which include emulsion, miniemulsion and suspension polymerizations, under stable free radical polymerization (SFRP) conditions is presented. The success of miniemulsion and suspension SFRP polymerizations is contrasted with the difficulties associated with obtaining a stable emulsion polymerization. A recently developed unique microprecipitation technique is referenced as a means of making submicron sized particles that can be used to achieve a stable emulsion SFRP process.

AMPHIPHILIC STAR-BLOCK COPOLYMERS BY IODIDE-MEDIATED RADICAL POLYMERIZATION

Amphiphilic star-block copolymers composed of polystyrene and poly（acrylic acid） were synthesized by iodide- mediated radical polymerization. Firstly, free radical polymerization of styrene was carried out with AIBN as initiator and 1,1,1-trimethyolpropane tri（2-iodoisobutyrate） as chain transfer agent, giving iodine atom ended star-shaped polystyrene with three arm chains, R（polystyrene）3. Secondly, tert-butyl acrylate was polymerization using polystyrene obtained as macro-chain transfer agent, and star-block copolymer, R（polystyrene-b-poly（tert-butyl acrylate））3 with controlled molecular weight was obtained. Finally, amphiphilic star-block copolymer, R（polystyrene-b-poly（acrylic acid））3 was obtained by hydrolysis of R（polystyrene-b-poly（tert-butyl acrylate））3 under acidic condition.

A NOVEL PHOTO-INITIATING SYSTEM FOR ATOM TRANSFER RADICAL POLYMERIZATION OF STYRENE

A novel photo-induced initiating system, 2,2-dimethoxy-2-phenylacetophenone (DMPA)/ferric tri(NN-diethyldithiocarbamate) [Fe(DC)(3)], was developed and used for the atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) of styrene in toluene. The polymerization proceeds with DMPA as photo-initiator, Fe(DC)(3) as catalyst and DC as a reversible transfer group, while the halogen and ligands are free. Well-defined PSt was prepared and the polymerization mechanism revealed by end group analysis belongs to a reverse ATRP. Block copolymer was prepared by using thus obtained PSt as macroinitiator and Fe(DC)(2) as catalyst under UV light irradiation via a conventional ATRP process.

DESIGN AND SYNTHESIS OF NOVEL CHIRAL IONIC LIQUIDS AND THEIR APPLICATION IN FREE RADICAL POLYMERIZATION OF METHYL METHACRYLATE

Two new chiral ionic liquids, 1 -((-)-menthoxycarbonylmethylene)-3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphateand 1-((-)-menthoxycarbonylmethylene)-3-hexadecylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate, were designed an d prepared. Theirchemical structures were characterized by ~1H-NMR. Reverse atom transfer radical polymerization of methyl methacrylate(MMA) in these two ionic liquids was carried out using AIBN/CuCl_2/bipy as the initiating system. The resultant well-definedpolymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) was employed as a macroinitiator to induce the atom transfer radical polymerization ofmenthyl methacrylate (MnMA) in chlorobenzene, which yielded a PMMA-b-PMnMA diblock copolymer with narrow polydispersity.

Controlled Radical Polymerization of Styrene in the Presence of Different Copper Complexes and Organic Halides

The polymerization behaviors of Styrene (St) in the presence of CuX/L [X=Cl or Br; L= 2,2 bipyridine (bpy), 1,10 phenanthroline (phen) or 4,7 diphenyl 1,10 phenanthroline (DPP) ] and R X (R=trichloromethyl, benzyl or allyl; X=Cl or Br) have been studied and examined. In a CuCl/bpy/RCl/St system, a bimodal GPC peak at the early stage of polymerization was observed, and a concept of multi active species was proposed to explain this phenomenon. In a CuCl/phen (DPP)/RCl/St system, the \%M\%\-n of polystyrene (PS) increased linearly with St conversion and ln[M] o/[M] also increased linearly with time, indicating the living nature of this system. Furthermore, the stability of the propagating active species in a CuBr/phen/RBr/St system is higher than that in the CuBr/phen/RBr/St system.

SYNTHESIS OF TRIBLOCK COPOLYMERS OF STYRENE AND ISOPRENE BY A NITROXIDE-MEDIATED LIVING FREE RADICAL POLYMERIZATION

The controlled free radical polymerization of styrene and isoprene initiated with benzoyl peroxide (BPO) in the presence of 2,2,6,6-tetramethyl piperidine-N-oxyl (TEMPO) at 125 'C were performed. The obtained polyisoprene and polystyrene homopolymers served as macroinitiators for block copolymerization of isoprene and styrene to synthesize poly- (styrene-b-isoprene) and poly(isoprene-b-styrene) diblock copolymers. Diblock copolymers with well-defined structures as well as controlled and narrow molecular weight distribution were obtained from the lower-mass polystyrene and polyisoprene homopolymers. These copolymers were found to be active as macroinitiators in the synthesis of the poly(styrene-b-isoprene-b-styrene) and poly(isoprene-b-styrene-b-isoprene) triblock copolymers. 1H-NMR spectroscopy and gel permeation chromatography (GPC) were used for the investigation of polymer structure, molecular weight and polydispersity (PD).

Synthesis of Comblike Poly(methyl methacrylate) by Atom Transfer Radical Polymerization with Poly(ethyl 2-bromoacrylate) as Macroinitiator

Comblike poly(methyl methacrylate) was synthesized by atom transfer radical polymerization of methyl methacrylate with poly(ethyl 2-bromoacrylate) as a macroinitiator, which was prepared by conventional free radical polymerization of ethyl 2-bromoacrylate. The obtained comblike polymers were characterized by GPC and 1H NMR.

Controlled Radical Polymerization of Methyl Methacrylate Catalyzed by Hybrid Supported Iron Catalyst

A supported iron catalyst, which was prepared by anchoring FeCl2/FeCl3 on the cross-linking macroporous polyacrylate ion exchange resin, was evaluated via the controlled radical polymerization. When a small amount of CuCl2/ Me6TREN was added, the controllability of the polymerization over the iron-mediated catalyst was significantly improved（Mw/Mn = 1.23-1.73 ）, affording a polymer with a low residual metal via a simple catalyst separation procedure. After suitable regeneration, the supported iron catalyst could also he recycled. UV-Vis analysis showed that the additional copper catalyst could facilitate the radical deactivation process.

SYNTHESIS OF HETEROARM STAR-SHAPED POLYMER BY THE USE OF POLYFUNCTIONAL CHAIN-TRANSFER AGENT via CONVENTIONAL FREE RADICAL POLYMERIZATION

Heteroarm star-shaped polymers were synthesized by conventional free radical polymerization in two steps by the use of polyfunctional chain transfer agent.In the first step,free radical polymerization of methyl methacrylate was carried out in the presence of a polyfunctional chain transfer agent,pentaerythritol tetrakis(3-mercaptopropinate).At appropriate monomer conversions,two-arm PMMA having two residual thiol groups at the chain center or three-arm PMMA having one residual thiol group at the core were o...

A FACILE APPROACH FOR THE SURFACE MODIFICATION OF POLY(VINYLIDENE FLUORIDE) MEMBRANE VIA SURFACE-INITIATED ATOM TRANSFER RADICAL POLYMERIZATION

A novel approach for the surface modification of poly(vinylidene fluoride)(PVDF)membrane was successfully realized through alkaline treatment,UV-induced bromine addition,and followed by surface-initiated atom transfer radical polymerization(ATRP)of methyl methacrylate(MMA).Chemical changes on the PVDF membrane before and after modification were analyzed with attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy(ATR/FT-IR)and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy(XPS).Primary kinetic study revealed...

Synthesis of Well-Defined Dendritic-Linear Diblock and Triblock Copolymers by Controlled Free Radical Polymerization

The design and synthesis of novel dendritic-linear block copolymers were described. The copolymers were synthesized by atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) using dendritic polyarylether 2-bromoisobutyrate macroinitiator. ATRP carried out in bulk with CuBr/bipy catalyst at 120癈, yielded well-defined block copolymers with polydispersities less than 1.36.

Reverse Atom Transfer Radical Polymerization of (-)-Menthyl Methacrylate

The reverse atom transfer radical polymerization(RATRP) of (-)-menthyl methacrylate ((-)-MnMA) with AIBN(AIBN/CuCl2/bipyridine(bipy) or (-)sparteine((-)Sp) =1/2/4) initiating system in THF has been studied. The dependence of the specific rotation on molecular weight was investigated.

Studies on the Self-condensing Vinyl Living Radical Polymerization of a Novel Acrylate Inimer

A novel acrylate inimer, 2-（2-chloroacetyloxy） ethyl acrylate, was prepared by the reaction of 2-hydroxyethyl acrylate with chloroacetyl chloride in the presence of triethylamine. The self-condensing vinyl living radical polymerization of the inimer was studied and the hyperbranched macromolecules containing ester linkages on their backbone were prepared. All the polymerization products were characterized by 1H NMR. The polymerization degree and the branching parameter were calculated based on the 1H NMR spectra. It has been shown that this inimer exhibits a very distinctive polymerization behavior. Similar to step-growth polymerization, the polymerization degree of the products formed increased exponentially during the early stage of the polymerization, and then the increasing rate slowed down. However, the inimer remained present throughout the polymerization consistent with conventional free radical polymerization. Also, if much longer polymerization time was used, the polymerization system would become gel due to the crosslinking reaction derived from radical-radical recombination. As a result of the unequal reactivity of -CH2Cl and >CHCl, an almost linear product was obtained at a molar ratio of bipy to inimer=0.05, while a relatively high ratio of bipy to inimer 1 favored the formation of the branched structure. The macromolecules formed at a high ratio of bipy to inimer 1 exhibited an excellent solubility in organic solvents such as acetone.

NEW INITIATION SYSTEMS FOR ATOM TRANSFER RADICAL POLYMERIZATION

This review summarizes our achievements in designing new initiation systems for atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP). First-order kinetics and extension experiments revealed the living nature of these reactions. Tailor- made vinyl polymers with functional end groups were characterized by 1H-NMR and UV-vis spectroscopic analyses. Replacing traditional radical initiators AIBN and BPO, carbon-carbon bond compounds, 1,1,2,2-tetraphenyl-1,2-ethanediol, diethyl 2,3-dicyano-2,3-diphenylsuccinate and diethyl 2,3-dicyano-2,3-di(p-tolyl)succinate, were utilized in reverse ATRP to produce the initiating radical. Sulfur-sulfur bond iniferter, tetraethylthiuram disulfide (TD), in conjunction with CuBr/bpy or NiCl2/PPh3 complex could control the styrene polymerization via redox reaction. Pseudo-halogen transfer reaction was demonstrated to maintain the dormant-active species equilibrium in normal and reverse ATRP with Cu(S2CNEt2), Cu(S2CNEt2)Cl and Fe(S2CNEt2)3 as catalysts. The organic halide initiator and reduced transition metal compound that started the living polymerization were produced in situ from the components of TD/FeCl3/PPh3, TD/CuBr2/bpy and Fe(S2CNEt2)3/FeCl3/PPh3 systems. Accurate control of UV irradiation time favored the radical generation process in photo ATRP with the 2,2-dimethoxy-2-phenylacetophenone/Fe(S2CNEt2)3 initiation system.

RADICAL POLYMERIZATION OF N, N-DI(2-2'-METHYL-ACRYLOYLOXY-PROPYL)-PARA-TOLUIDINE FUNCTIONAL MONOMER

Functional monomer (MP)_2PT having tertiary aromatic amino group was systhesized from the reaction of N, N-di (2-hydroxypropyl)-p-toluidine with 2-methyl acryloyl chloride. In the presence of organic peroxide, the radical polymerization of (MP)_2PT in toluene took place. The kinetics of (MP)_2PT polymerization and the ESR spectra of LPO-(MP)2PT-MNP systems were determined respectively.

THERMOSENSITIVITY OF NARROW-DISPERSED POLY(N-n-PROPYLACRYLAMIDE)PREPARED BY ATOM TRANSFER RADICAL POLYMERIZATION

Controlled polymerization of N-n-propylacrylamide was achieved by atom transfer radical polymerization(ATRP) in a N,N-dimethylformamide-water mixture(50 vol%)at room temperature with methyl 2-chloropropinonate as initiator and CuCl/tris(2-dimethylaminoethyl)amine as the catalytic system in a ratio of 1:1:1.High molecular weight homopolymers(up to 3.7×10~4)with narrow molecular weight distribution(less than 1.2)were obtained.The living character of the polymerization was further demonstrated by self-blocking...

Synthesis of Poly(styrene-b-isoprene-b-styrene)viaNitroxide-mediated Radical Polymerization by a Novel Alkoxyamine

Bifunctional alkoxyamine bis-TIPNO derived from 2,2,5-trimethyl-4-phenyl-3-azahexane-3-oxyl （TIPNO） and α, ω-alkyl bromide by atom transfer radical addition（ATRA） was employed as “biradical initiator” for nitroxide-mediated radical polymerization（NMRP） of isoprene and styrene. The kinetics study for the polymerization of styrene at different time showed living features. The poly（styrene-b-isoprene-b-styrene） （SIS） copolymers have two glass transition temperatures, indicating the immiscibility of the corresponding blocks.

Synthesis of Dendritic-Linear Block Copolymers by Atom Transfer Radical Polymerization

The dendritic polyarylether 2-bromoisobutyrate as the macromolecular initiator for the controlled free radical polymerization of styrene was investigated. The polymerization was carried out with CuBr/2,2 ' -bipyridine catalyst at 110 degreesC. It is found that the hybrid dendritic-linear block copolymers possess well-defined molecular weights and low polydispersities.

“LIVING”/CONTROLLED RADICAL POLYMERIZATION OF ETHYL METHYLACRYLATE WITH 2,2’-AZOBISISOBUTYRONITRILE/FERRIC CHLORIDE/TRIPHENYLPHOSPHINE INITIATION SYSTEM

'Living'/controlled radical polymerization of ethyl methacrylate (EMA) was carried out with a 2,2'-azobisisobutyronitrile (AIBN)/ferric chloride (FeCl_3)/triphenylphosphine (PPh_3) initiation system at 85℃. Thc numberaverage molecular weight (M_n) increases linearly with monomer conversion and the rate of polymerization is first order withrespect to monomer concentration. The M_w of PEMA ranges from 3900 to 17600 and the polydispersity indices are quitenarrow (1.09～1.22). The conversion can reach up to～100% and M_w of the polymers obtained is close to that designed. Thepolymerization mechanism belongs to the reverse atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP). The polymer was end-functionalized by chlorine atom, which acts as a macroinitiator to proceed extension polymerization in the presence ofCuBr/bipy catalyst system via an ATRP process. The presence of ω-chlorine in the PEMA obtained was identified by ~1H-NMR spectrum.

SYNTHESIS OF BLOCK COPOLYMER FROM 5,6 -BENZO-2-METHYLENE-1,3-DIOXEPANE AND METHYL ACRYLATE VIA ATOM TRANSFER RADICAL POLYMERIZATION

Poly(methyl acrylate)-b-poly(5,6-benzo-2-methylene-1,3-dioxepane) (PMA-b-PBMDO) was synthesized by two-step atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP). Firstly, ATRP of methyl acrylate (MA) was realized using ethyl alpha-bromobutyrate (EBrB) as initiator in the presence of CuBr/2,2'-bipyridine. After isolation, poly(methyl acrylate) with terminal bromine (PMA-Br) was synthesized. Secondly, the resulting PMA-Br was used as a macromolecular initiator in the ATRP of BMDO. The structure of block copolymer was characterized by H-1-NMR spectroscopy. Molecular weight and molecular weight distribution were determined on a gel permeation chromatograph (GPC).