RAFT Polymerization in a Miniemulsion System Using a Novel Type of Amphiphilic RAFT Agent with Poly(ethylene glycol) Bound to a Dithiobenzoate Group

Abstract

In this study, reversible addition–fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) miniemulsion polymerization using a novel type of amphiphilic RAFT agent was investigated. The novel amphiphilic RAFT agent has a specific chemical structure in which a hydrophilic poly(ethylene glycol) chain is directly bonded to the “Z-group” position, and not the leaving group (R group), of the thiocarbonylthio group (RAFT group). As a result, the RAFT groups are localized at the interface of the water/monomer droplets (polymer particles) throughout the polymerization, unlike with a conventional amphiphilic RAFT agent. Polystyrene (PS) particles with a broad molecular weight distribution and 69% degree of livingness were successfully prepared using the novel RAFT agent in a manner similar to that for a conventional RAFT system. Notably, after the completion of polymerization, the RAFT groups could be easily removed from the dispersed PS particles via treatment with an excess of potassium persulfate, because the RAFT groups only exis...