Novel applications of reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer polymerization: end-group modifications and nanoparticle formation

摘要

The aim of the first two parts of this thesis is to investigate the “click” reactions of thiol-epoxide and thiol-isocyanate reactions as they apply to RAFT prepared polymers. First, an investigation using RAFT prepared polymers and their reaction with a range of commercially available epoxides is presented. Two pathways are highlighted within the thesis that describe the synthesis of hydroxyl functional polymers via the macromolecular thiolysis of oxiranes. In another investigation, methacrylic macromonomers are quantitatively prepared by utilizing the facile thiol-isocyanate reaction between a polymeric thiol and 2-isocyanatoethyl methacrylate. The copolymerizability of the methacrylic macromonomers is investigated using methyl methacrylate and lauryl methacrylate. Finally with this work, amphiphilic block copolymers are prepared by copolymerizing the macromonomers and methyl methacrylate with hydrophilic RAFT polymers. The third part of the thesis also utilizes RAFT prepared polymers. The aim is to obtain desired selfassemblies through RAFT dispersion polymerization. Herein, the RAFT dispersion system of poly(dimethylacrylamide) and styrene in alcoholic and a alcohol/water mixture is presented.