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Updated: Jul 10, 2026

Atom Transfer Radical Polymerization of Functionalized Vinyl Monomers Using Perylene as a Visible Light Photocatalyst
Published on: April 22, 2016
Comparative Study of Vinyl Polymerization of Styrene-Based Polymers Using Free Radical and Ultrasound Initiation
Nur Syuhada Abas1, Nor Saadah Mohd Yusof1, Noordini M Salleh2
1Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Abstract:
This study explores the polymerization behavior of styrene and a liquid crystalline acrylate (MA) monomer under free radical and ultrasound initiation, highlighting method-dependent selective efficiency. Structural confirmation was achieved via 1H NMR, 13C NMR, and FTIR, with molecular weights (Mn) determined by 1H NMR. Ultrasound-initiated styrene polymerization, yielding higher Mn and rapid conversion within 60 min, whereas free radical polymerization achieved higher overall conversion over longer times, demonstrating its time-dependent reliability. Ultrasound initiation proved ineffective for liquid crystalline acrylate polymers (P5-P8) and its copolymers (CP3-CP4), likely due to incomplete initiator activation, residual oxygen, monomer structural constraints, and equipment set up limitations, whereas free radical polymerization enabled successful synthesis (P1-P4, CP1-CP2). POM analysis of polymer P4 revealed that the nematic mesophase at 166 °C and CP2 at 106 °C. All polymers exhibited outstanding thermal stability, with 5% weight loss above 350 °C, highlighting their suitability for high-temperature processing and applications. These findings demonstrate the critical role of initiation strategy, solvent choice, and monomer characteristics in controlling polymerization kinetics and molecular architecture, providing insights and possible control for the design of thermally robust LCP-based materials for advanced functional applications.
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