Long-lived polymer radicals: 5. Synthesis of block copolymer by the reaction of living poly( N-phenylmethacrylamide) radical with vinyl monomers

Abstract

When N-phenylmethacrylamide (NPMAm) was photopolymerized at room temperature in benzene by using di- tert-butyl peroxide as sensitizer, the resulting heterogeneous polymerization mixture was found to contain very stable propagating poly (NPMAm) radical. An e.s.r. study revealed that the living polymer radical reacted easily at room temperature with methyl methacrylate (MMA) yielding persistent poly (MMA) radical. Block copolymer was prepared by the reaction of living poly (NPMAm) radical with MMA and methyl acrylate. Block copolymer constituted 30–60% of the resultant total polymer. Block copolymer was characterized by g.p.c., i.r. spectroscopy and electron microscopy.