Binary Living Radical Polymerization of Dual Concurrent ATRP-RAFT

Area of Science:

• Polymer Chemistry
• Macromolecular Science

Background:

• Living radical polymerization (LRP) methods are crucial in polymer chemistry but often require specific conditions, limiting their applicability.
• Combining different LRP techniques can integrate advantages, but direct combinations are challenging due to complex interactions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a criterion for predicting the effectiveness of combining LRP methods.
• To construct a dual concurrent ATRP-RAFT polymerization system by combining ICAR-ATRP and RAFT.

Main Methods:

• Established a criterion to assess the compatibility of LRP method combinations.
• Implemented the criterion to successfully combine Initiators for Continuous ARgeted polymerization-ATRP (ICAR-ATRP) with Reversible Addition-Fragmentation chain-Transfer (RAFT) polymerization.
• Investigated the performance of the dual concurrent ATRP-RAFT system.

Main Results:

• The developed criterion facilitated the effective combination of ICAR-ATRP and RAFT.
• The dual concurrent ATRP-RAFT method expanded the range of monomers suitable for RAFT polymerization.
• Reduced copper(II) loading was achieved for ICAR-ATRP.
• Enhanced control over polymer dispersity was observed.

Conclusions:

• The criterion provides a valuable tool for designing effective combinations of LRP methods.
• The dual concurrent ATRP-RAFT polymerization offers a novel route for advanced polymer synthesis.
• This research advances the development of versatile living radical polymerization techniques.