Abstract
Reversible addition-fragmentation chain-transfer (RAFT) polymerization has been known as a convenient method for the synthesis of polymers of designed molecular structures. Of particular interest are bifunctional or multifunctional chain-transfer agents (CTAs) which could be employed in the development of advanced materials via RAFT polymerization. In the present study, four bifunctional 2-(alkoxycarbonothioylthio) RAFT CTAs with COOH functionalities containing methoxy, ethoxy, isopropoxy, and octyloxy groups, respectively, were synthesized and characterized by FTIR and NMR spectroscopy. Polymerizations of vinyl acetate using these CTAs exhibited increased molecular weight with consumption of monomer and relatively narrow dispersities, indicative of living polymerization behavior. The effect of the concentration of 2-(ethoxycarbonothioylthio) acetic acid on the polymerization was examined, revealing that higher concentration of CTA led to lower molecular weight and narrower dispersity. As an example of the application of the synthesized bifunctional CTAs, TiO2-poly(vinyl acetate) (PVAc) nanocomposites were synthesized via a one-pot process and characterized by TGA, DSC, TEM, and affinity test, suggesting attachment of PVAc onto the nano-TiO2 particles. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2014, 52, 606–618
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callMore From: Journal of Polymer Science Part A: Polymer Chemistry
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
