Synthesis of homopolymers and block copolymers of methacrylates using a mixed Al/Li alkyl initiator

Abstract

Abstract We report the use of a triisobutylaluminium/tert‐butyllithium initiator in the preparation of living methacrylate homopoloymers and a wide range of methacrylic block copolymers. The system, which we have referred to as Screened Anionic Polymerisation (SAP), is very tolerant of impurities and is effective in hydrocarbon solution with reaction rates such that high molecular weight polymers can be produced at temperatures readily accessible for large scale industrial use. A mechanism for the reaction is proposed based on preliminary spectroscopic evidence.