Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 25, 2026
07:39
Facile Synthesis of Worm-like Micelles by Visible Light Mediated Dispersion Polymerization Using Photoredox Catalyst
Published on: June 8, 2016
10.1K
How Do Spherical Diblock Copolymer Nanoparticles Grow during RAFT Alcoholic Dispersion Polymerization?
E R Jones1, O O Mykhaylyk1, M Semsarilar2
1Dainton Building, Department of Chemistry, University of Sheffield , Brook Hill, Sheffield, South Yorkshire S3 7HF, U.K.
Macromolecules
|February 20, 2016
Summary
This study demonstrates controlled synthesis of tunable spherical nanoparticles using reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer polymerization. These nanoparticles form via polymerization-induced self-assembly, offering precise control over size and structure.
Area of Science:
- Polymer Chemistry
- Materials Science
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Controlled polymerization techniques are crucial for designing advanced materials.
- Polymerization-induced self-assembly (PISA) enables the formation of complex nanostructures.
- Reversible-deactivation radical polymerization (RDRP) methods offer precise control over polymer architecture.
Purpose of the Study:
- To synthesize well-defined diblock copolymer nanoparticles using RAFT alcoholic dispersion polymerization.
- To investigate the formation and characteristics of nanoparticles generated via PISA.
- To tune nanoparticle size by controlling the degree of polymerization of the core-forming block.
Main Methods:
- Reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization using a poly(2-(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate) (PDMA) chain transfer agent (CTA).
- Alcoholic dispersion polymerization of benzyl methacrylate (BzMA) in ethanol.
- Characterization using Gel Permeation Chromatography (GPC), Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS), Multi-Angle Light Scattering (MALLS), and Small-Angle X-ray Scattering (SAXS).
Main Results:
- Well-controlled polymerization of BzMA with linear molecular weight increase and low dispersity (Đ < 1.35).
- In situ formation of spherical diblock copolymer nanoparticles (35-100 nm diameter) via PISA.
- SAXS and MALLS data provided insights into nanoparticle core diameter, chain conformation, and aggregation number, indicating intermediate chain extension.
Conclusions:
- RAFT alcoholic dispersion polymerization is an effective method for synthesizing tunable diblock copolymer nanoparticles.
- The size of the spherical nanoparticles can be controlled by adjusting the degree of polymerization of the hydrophobic block.
- Nanoparticle growth occurs through molecular weight increase and potentially micelle fusion or chain exchange events.
More Related Videos
11:42Synthesis of Monodisperse Cylindrical Nanoparticles via Crystallization-driven Self-assembly of Biodegradable Block Copolymers
Published on: June 20, 2019
8.4K
09:02Using Polystyrene-block-polyacrylic acid-coated Metal Nanoparticles as Monomers for Their Homo- and Co-polymerization
Published on: July 9, 2015
13.0K
Related Concept Videos
00:57Cationic Chain-Growth Polymerization: Mechanism
3.0K
The cationic polymerization mechanism consists of three steps: initiation, propagation, and termination. In the initiation step of the polymerization process, the π bond of a monomer gets protonated by the Lewis acid catalyst, which is formed from boron trifluoride and water. The protonation of the π bond generates a carbocation stabilized by the electron‐donating group. In the propagation step, the π bond of the second monomer acts as a nucleophile and attacks the...
3.0K
01:08Molecular Weight of Step-Growth Polymers
3.0K
Step growth polymerization involves bi or multifunctional monomers. Bifunctional monomers react to form linear step growth polymers, whereas multifunctional monomers react to form non-linear or branched polymers.
As the step-growth polymerization involves step-wise condensation of monomers, the molecular weight also builds up eventually. Consequently, high molecular weight polymers are obtained at the late stages of the polymerization, where 99% of monomers have been consumed.
The extent of the...
As the step-growth polymerization involves step-wise condensation of monomers, the molecular weight also builds up eventually. Consequently, high molecular weight polymers are obtained at the late stages of the polymerization, where 99% of monomers have been consumed.
The extent of the...
3.0K
01:04Anionic Chain-Growth Polymerization: Mechanism
2.6K
The mechanism for anionic chain-growth polymerization involves initiation, propagation, and termination steps. In the initiation step, a nucleophilic anion, such as butyl lithium, initiates the polymerization process by attacking the π bond of the vinylic monomer. As a result, a carbanion, stabilized by the electron‐withdrawing group, is generated. The resulting carbanion acts as a Michael donor in the propagation step and attacks the second vinylic monomer, which acts as a Michael...
2.6K
01:09Radical Chain-Growth Polymerization: Mechanism
3.8K
The radical chain-growth polymerization mechanism consists of three steps: initiation, propagation, and termination of polymerization. The polymerization initiates when a free radical generated from the radical initiator adds to the unsaturated bond in the monomer. The unpaired electron of the free radical and one π electron in the unsaturated bond creates a σ bond between the free radical and the monomer. As a result, the other π electron in the unsaturated bond converts this species into...
3.8K
01:03Step-Growth Polymerization: Overview
4.7K
Step-growth or condensation polymerization is a stepwise reaction of bi or multifunctional monomers to form long-chain polymers. As all the monomers are reactive, most of the monomers are consumed at the early stages of the reaction to form small chains of reactive oligomers, which then combine to form long polymer chains in the late stages. Hence, the reaction has to proceed for a long time to achieve high molecular weight polymers.
Many natural and synthetic polymers are produced by...
Many natural and synthetic polymers are produced by...
4.7K
01:17Ziegler–Natta Chain-Growth Polymerization: Overview
4.2K
Ziegler–Natta polymerization is another form of addition or chain‐growth polymerization used for synthesizing linear polymers over branched polymers. The catalyst used for polymerization is the Ziegler–Natta catalyst, named after Karl Ziegler and Giulio Natta, who developed it in 1953. This catalyst is an organometallic complex of titanium tetrachloride and triethyl aluminum, with the active form of the catalyst being an alkyl titanium compound. Using the Ziegler–Natta...
4.2K