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Synthesis of homopolymers and block copolymers of methacrylates using a mixed Al/Li alkyl initiator
Author(s) -
Haddleton David M,
Muir Andrew V G,
O'Donnell John P,
Richards Stuart N,
Twose David L
Publication year - 1995
Publication title -
macromolecular symposia
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.257
H-Index - 76
eISSN - 1521-3900
pISSN - 1022-1360
DOI - 10.1002/masy.19950910110
Subject(s) - copolymer , methacrylate , polymer chemistry , anionic addition polymerization , methacrylic acid , alkyl , butyllithium , polymer , materials science , chemistry , organic chemistry
We report the use of a triisobutylaluminium/tert‐butyllithium initiator in the preparation of living methacrylate homopoloymers and a wide range of methacrylic block copolymers. The system, which we have referred to as Screened Anionic Polymerisation (SAP), is very tolerant of impurities and is effective in hydrocarbon solution with reaction rates such that high molecular weight polymers can be produced at temperatures readily accessible for large scale industrial use. A mechanism for the reaction is proposed based on preliminary spectroscopic evidence.