Synthesis of Poly(vinyl acetate)‐<i>block</i>‐poly(dimethylsiloxane)‐<i>block</i>‐poly(vinyl acetate) Copolymers by Iodine Transfer Photopolymerization in Miniemulsion

Abstract

Abstract Summary: Iodine transfer polymerization of vinyl acetate in aqueous miniemulsion, initiated by UV radiation in the presence of an α , ω ‐diiodo‐poly(dimethylsiloxane) macrophotoiniferter has been performed. The formation of a triblock copolymer latex PVAc‐ b ‐PDMS‐ b ‐PVAc has been evidenced by 1 H‐NMR and size exclusion chromatography. The size of the PDMS and PVAc blocks were modulated thus opening the way to a wide range of copolymers with different properties. A detailed study of the reaction mechanism showed the importance of the aqueous dispersed medium to achieve a controlled polymerization.