Copolymerization of styrene with an α-olefin via atom transfer radical polymerization

Abstract

This investigation reports the preparation of styrene–α-olefinic random copolymers, using 1-octene as an α-olefin, via atom transfer radical polymerization. Atom transfer radical copolymerization of styrene with 1-octene was successfully carried out using phenylethyl bromide as initiator and CuBr as catalyst in combination with N, N, N′, N″, N″-pentamethyldiethylenetriamine as ligand. The copolymers had controlled molecular weight, narrow dispersity and well-defined end groups with significant 1-octene incorporation in the polymer. Incorporation of 1-octene in the copolymers was confirmed using 1H NMR and matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectroscopy. An increase in 1-octene content in the monomer feed led to an increase in the level of incorporation of the α-olefin in the copolymer. An increase in the concentration of 1-octene led to a decrease in the rate of polymerization and an increase in dispersity. The glass transition temperature of the copolymer gradually decreased as the incorporation of 1-octene increased. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry