Synthesis and characterization of poly(styrene-b-methyl methacrylate) block copolymers via ATRP and RAFT

Well-defined block copolymers of styrene (S) and methyl methacrylate (MMA) poly(Styrene-b-methyl methacrylate) [poly(S-b-MMA)] with narrow molecular weight distribution were synthesized via atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) and recycle additive fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization methods using macro RAFT macroinitiator in two step. Poly-S based RAFT macroinitiator was reported from the reaction of potassium salt of ethyl xanthegonate and homo Poly-S which is synthesized by atom transfer radical polymerization of styrene using 3-chloro-1-propanol initiator. Subsequently, the synthesis of poly(S-b-MMA) block copolymers were acquired via RAFT of poly-S based RAFT macroinitiator and MMA at 90 0C. Poly(S-b-MMA) block copolymers were comparatively acquired in high yield and high molecular weight. The characterization of homo poly-S, RAFT macroinitiator, and poly(S-b-MMA) block copolymers were carried out by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, gel permeation chromatography, thermogravimetric analysis and elemental analysis.