Unraveling the Properties of Ultrahigh Molecular Weight Polyacrylates

Abstract

Photoiniferter polymerization is a straightforward method to produce well-defined ultrahigh molecular weight (UHMW, >1 MDa) acrylate polymers, which potentially provides access to a generation of advanced materials. However, the role of UHMWs on the properties of these materials is not thoroughly understood. Herein, we show that the molecular weight of UHMW poly(methyl acrylate) (PMA) has a significant impact on its mechanical properties. We observed that the mechanical and thermal properties of PMA are dramatically improved at UHMW. Based on these findings, we successfully heightened the cohesive strength and thermal stability of pressure-sensitive adhesives without the need for cross-linkers, which are traditionally required in adhesive materials. These findings highlight the potential of UHMW polyacrylates in the development of robust materials.