AB and ABA type butyl acrylate and styrene block copolymers via RAFT-mediated miniemulsion polymerization

摘要

Two trithiocarbonate reversible addition fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) agents are compared in miniemulsion polymerization of styrene and butyl acrylate and the formation of seeded emulsion block copolymers. The order of block synthesis and the number of block segments per polymer are discussed. The use of nonionic surfactants is examined and the type of surfactant in relation to the monomer used is found to have a significant affect on latex formation. Conditions are shown by which AB and ABA type block copolymers can be successfully prepared via a seeded RAFT-mediated emulsion polymerization. (c) 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.