Abstract
Amphiphilic star polymers with low polydispersity (PDI) and high molecular weight were synthesized by an activator generated by electron transfer atom transfer radical polymerization (AGET ATRP) in aqueous dispersed media using a simple "arm-first" method and linear block copolymers poly(ethylene oxide)-b-polystyrene (PEO-PS-Cl) as arm precursors. The amphiphilic block copolymers PEO-PS-Cl with halogen chain-end functionality formed micelles in water and then were cross-linked by the divinyl cross-linkers. Due to the formation of cross-linker swollen micelles before the polymerization was initiated, star-star or star-linear chain reactions were not required for the star formation. The suppressed star-star coupling reactions resulted in the formation of star polymers with low PDI (M(w)/M(n) < 1.1) but still high molecular weight (over 1000 kg/mol).
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
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 call
