Polymerization-Induced Self-Assembly (PISA) Using ICAR ATRP at Low Catalyst Concentration

Abstract

Polymerization-induced self-assembly (PISA) was achieved by conducting an initiators for continuous activator regeneration atom transfer radical polymerization (ICAR ATRP) at low ppm of copper catalyst concentration. A poly(oligo(ethylene oxide) methyl ether methacrylate)50 (POEOMA50) macroinitiator and stabilizer was synthesized by an aqueous ICAR ATRP using CuIICl2/tris(pyridin-2-ylmethyl)amine (TPMA) complex. Subsequently, the dispersion polymerization of benzyl methacrylate (BnMA) in ethanol was realized with a CuIIBr2/TPMA complex either at room temperature or at 65 °C using V-70 or AIBN as radical initiators, respectively. The effect of catalyst concentration, radical initiators, targeted degree of polymerization (DP) of PBnMA, solids content, and temperature on the molecular characteristics and self-assembly behavior of block copolymers POEOMA–PBnMA was evaluated by gel permeation chromatography (GPC), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and dynamic light scattering (DLS). Block copolymers asse...