Premium
Simple Preparation of Thiol–Ene Particles in Glycerol and Surface Functionalization by Thiol–Ene Chemistry (TEC) and Surface Chain Transfer Free Radical Polymerization (SCT‐FRP)
Author(s) -
Hoffmann Christian,
Chiaula Valeria,
Yu Liyun,
Pinelo Manuel,
Woodley John M.,
Daugaard Anders E.
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
macromolecular rapid communications
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.348
H-Index - 154
eISSN - 1521-3927
pISSN - 1022-1336
DOI - 10.1002/marc.201700394
Subject(s) - ene reaction , surface modification , chemistry , emulsion polymerization , polymer , polymer chemistry , polymerization , thiol , radical polymerization , chain transfer , adsorption , chemical engineering , organic chemistry , engineering
Thiol–ene (TE)‐based polymer particles are traditionally prepared via emulsion polymerization in water (using surfactants, stabilizers, and cosolvents). Here, a green and simple alternative is presented with excellent control over particle size, while avoiding the addition of stabilizers. Glycerol is applied as a dispersing medium for the preparation of off‐stoichiometric TE microparticles, where sizes in the range of 40–400 µm are obtained solely by changing the mixing speed of the emulsions prior to crosslinking. Control over surface chemistry is achieved by surface functionalization of excess thiol groups via photochemical thiol–ene chemistry resulting in a functional monolayer. In addition, surface chain transfer free radical polymerization is used for the first time to introduce a thicker polymer layer on the particle surface. The application potential of the system is demonstrated by using functional particles as adsorbent for metal ions and as a support for immobilized enzymes.