Batch Emulsion Polymerization of Styrene Stabilized by a Hydrophilic Macro‐RAFT Agent

Abstract

Abstract Summary: A well‐defined homopolymer of 2‐(diethylamino)ethyl methacrylate has been synthesized by reversible addition‐fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization using (4‐cyanopentanoic acid)‐4‐dithiobenzoate as a chain transfer agent. The corresponding protonated homopolymer with a very reactive dithiobenzoate end group has been used as a water‐soluble macromolecular chain transfer agent in the batch emulsion polymerization of styrene without any surfactant. The reaction leads to a stable latex, as a result of the in‐situ formation of an amphiphilic block copolymer stabilizer, via transfer reaction to the dithioester functions during the nucleation step. The work does not intend to apply controlled free‐radical polymerization in an aqueous dispersed system but takes advantage of the RAFT technique to create a well‐defined polyelectrolyte, with a high chain‐end reactivity. Schematic of the formation of the stabilized latex by the in situ formation of an amphiphilic block copolymer stabilizer. magnified image Schematic of the formation of the stabilized latex by the in situ formation of an amphiphilic block copolymer stabilizer.