Macromolecules, Vol.36, No.4, 1075-1082, 2003
Use of an immobilized/soluble hybrid ATRP catalyst system for the preparation of block copolymers, random copolymers, and polymers with high degree of chain end functionality
An immobilized/soluble hybrid catalyst system (CuBr/PS8-dMbpy)/(CuBr2/Me6TREN) for atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) was applied to the preparation of polymers exhibiting various architectures. Polymers with high degree of halogen chain end functionality (similar to85%) were obtained using the hybrid catalyst system ensuring high efficiency of chain extension reactions through successive monomer addition, affording block (tapered) copolymers. Use of the immobilized catalyst also allowed the synthesis of block copolymers using macroinitiators synthesized by other mechanisms, such as poly(dimethylsiloxane). In the copolymerization of MMA and n-butyl acrylate, the molecular weight, molecular weight distribution, kinetics, and reactivity ratios were similar to those in a conventional homogeneous ATRP, indicating the chemical nature of the polymerization intermediates are similar for both systems. These examples demonstrate the broad applicability of the hybrid catalyst system to various ATRP processes.