Photomediated controlled radical polymerization

Photomediated controlled radical polymerization is a versatile method to prepare, under mild conditions, various well-defined polymers with complex architecture, such as block and graft copolymers, sequence-controlled polymers, or hybrid materials via surface-initiated polymerization. It also provides opportunity to manipulate the reaction through spatiotemporal control. This review presents a comprehensive account of the fundamentals and applications of various photomediated CRP techniques, including atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP), reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT), nitroxide mediated polymerization (NMP) and other procedures. In addition, mechanistic aspects of other photomediated methods are discussed.     

Photo-induced atom transfer radical polymerization of MMA with chlorophll A as photoinitiator

In this work, photoinduced free radical polymerization of methyl methacrylate (MMA) was performed at ambient temperature in dimethyl sulfoxide with chlorophll A as a photosensitizer. Well controlled polymerization of MMA was achieved. The linear first order plot of ln([M]₀/[M]) vs time was observed. Well-defined polymethyl methacrylates (PMMA) with narrow molecular weight distribution (M_w/M_n) were prepared. It indicated that the polymerization was controllable. The chain-end fidelity was demonstrated by ¹H NMR spectra. Chain extension experiments demonstrated the living feature of polymerization. The initiation and moderation of polymerization were manipulated by the periodic light on-off experiments.     

Iron-mediated reversible deactivation controlled radical polymerization

Metal-mediated reversible deactivation radical polymerization (RDRP) is now a cornerstone of functional polymer synthesis, dominated by copper complexes and the Atom Transfer Radical Polymerization (ATRP) moniker. A limitation of this approach is the contamination of the resultant polymers by the coloured copper complexes, thus requiring further purification, although protocols to reduce the amount of copper catalyst have been developed. Iron is an interesting alternative because of its low cost, low toxicity and reduced intensity of its optical absorption spectrum. Use of this metal in RDRP began in the late 90s and has continuously intensified. This review comprehensively covers all the work reported so far on RDRP mediated by iron complexes, organized according to ligand type, and discusses the specificities of this metal in terms of the multitude of accessible spin states and the interplay of different equilibria: atom transfer vs. direct radical trapping, associative vs. dissociative exchange, chain transfer by direct β-H atom transfer vs. β-H elimination from the dormant alkyl species.     

Accelerated controlled radical polymerization of methacrylates

BACKGROUND: Nitroxide adducts 1,1‐ditertbutyl‐1‐(1‐methyl‐1‐cyanoethoxy)‐amine (AIBN/DBN), 1,1‐ditertbutyl‐1‐(benzoylperoxy)‐amine (BPO/DBN) and 2,2,6,6,‐tetramethyl‐4‐oxo‐1‐(1‐methyl‐1‐cyanoethoxy)‐piperidine (AIBN/4‐OXO‐TEMPO) were prepared and evaluated as stabilized unimolecular initiators for controlled radical polymerization of methacrylate monomers using sulfuric acid as an accelerating additive. Their effectiveness was evaluated from polymerization rates, molecular weight control and dispersity (D) of the polymers. Thermal stabilities of the polymers were also examined. The monomers used were methyl methacrylate, triethylene glycol dimethacrylate (TEGDMA) and ethoxylated bisphenol A dimethacrylate (EBPADMA). RESULTS: Polymerization was accomplished at 70 and 130 °C in 5 min to 144 h. The value of D of poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) was 1.05–1.22. The glass transition temperature (T_g) for PMMA was 122–127 °C. The activity of the chain ends was established by chain extension and controlled polymerization was established by plotting M_n versus monomer conversion. First‐order kinetics in monomer consumption was established and an electron paramagnetic resonance study was conducted. Decomposition temperature (T_d) for PMMA was 360–380 °C, for poly(TEGDMA) was 300–380 °C and for poly(EBPADMA) was 360–440 °C. Photoinitiation without additive yielded no polymer. Thermal initiation by AIBN/4‐OXO‐TEMPO was the fastest. CONCLUSIONS: The initiators are applicable in low‐temperature additive‐enhanced controlled polymerization of methacylates and dimethacrylates, producing polymers with excellent attributes and a low value of D. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry     

A new approach to controlled/living radical polymerization by DPE method

Controlled free radical polymerizations of methyl methacrylate and styrene in bulk by 1,1-diphenylethene (DPE) were demonstrated in a two-step process, preheating treatment of initiators followed by a living polymerization of monomers. Over the course of polymerization, continuous growing of polymers with unimodal molecular weight distribution and a relatively small polydispersity index (around 1.5 even in the range of Mn ∼ 10⁵ g/mol) on GPC diagrams was observed. In our previous study, the DPE controlled radical polymerization with constant molecular weight throughout the polymerization was caused by the intrinsically low reactivation rate constant (k₂) of DPE capped dormant chains. To raise the reaction temperature in order to increase k₂, a continuous molecular weight growing but broader or bimodal molecular weight distribution was obtained if the living polymerization was conducted in a one-step process. In this work, a two-step polymerization process was proposed. In the first step, the initiator 2,2′-azobisisobutyronitrile (AIBN), control agent DPE, and small amount of monomer were mixed and heated for a specific time period. Then a living polymerization of monomers was conducted in the second step of polymerization. This two-step new approach had minimized the imperfections of the DPE system; thus the polymerization showed better living characters and revealed its enhanced control abilities.     

Diffusion‐controlled atom transfer radical polymerization with crosslinking

The reaction behavior of atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) with crosslinking was studied using di(meth)acrylates as the model network‐forming system. The kinetics was followed by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The structural evolution of the networks was investigated by gel permeation chromatography (GPC) and extraction/swelling measurements. The linear primary chains were obtained by hydrolysis of the networks and analyzed by viscometry. It was found that the polymerization proceeded in a controlled/living manner in an early stage of the reaction with the molecular weight of primary chains increasing linearly with vinyl conversion. However, deviations from the linearity occurred at high monomer conversions due to the network structure that severely restricted mobilities of catalyst/ligand complexes in the radical activation/deactivation. The onset and degree of deviation depended on crosslinking density. The diffusion‐controlled radical deactivation caused a mild autoacceleration in the polymerization rate. Adding excess Cu(II) to the system reduced the polymerization rate but improved the linear growth of primary chains that would facilitate the synthesis of networks of controlled microstructure. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2008. © 2008 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Modeling and theoretical development in controlled radical polymerization

Controlled radical polymerization (CRP) systems have gained increasing interests for the past two decades. Numerous publications may be found in the literature reporting experimental and modeling work on various CRP processes, including their use in surface modification through grafting. Knowledge of underlying mechanism behind polymerization systems is valuable for product design and process optimization. This information may be obtained through the combination of modeling and experimental studies. In this review, published studies on kinetic and stochastic based modeling for CRP systems are summarized. Their relevance in model discrimination of proposed mechanisms is discussed. This review also includes various parameter estimation studies, that is crucial to obtain accurate simulation predictions. Existing issues on the fundamental mechanism in CRP processes are also addressed.     

Interpolymer radical coupling: A toolbox complementary to controlled radical polymerization

The current review focuses on the relevance and practical benefit of interpolymer radical coupling methods. The latter are developing rapidly and constitute a perfectly complementary macromolecular engineering toolbox to the controlled radical polymerization techniques (CRP). Indeed, all structures formed by CRP are likely to be prone to radical coupling reactions, which multiply the available synthetic possibilities. Basically, the coupling systems can be divided in two main categories. The first one, including the atom transfer radical coupling (ATRC), silane radical atom abstraction (SRAA) and cobalt-mediated radical coupling (CMRC), relies on the recombination of macroradicals produced from a dormant species. The second one, including atom transfer nitroxide radical coupling (ATNRC), single electron transfer nitroxide radical coupling (SETNRC), enhanced spin capturing polymerization (ESCP) and nitrone/nitroso mediated radical coupling (NMRC), makes use of a radical scavenger in order to promote the conjugation of the polymer chains. More than a compilation of macromolecular engineering achievements, the present review additionally aims to emphasize the particularities, synthetic potential and present limitations of each system.     

Benzotriazinyl‐mediated controlled radical polymerization of styrene

The stable free radical polymerization (SFRP) process based on (1,3‐diphenyl‐1,4‐dihydro‐1,2,4‐benzotriazin‐4‐yl), the so‐called ‘Blatter radical’, and several C‐7 substituted derivatives is introduced for the first time for the polymerization of styrene. Polystyrenes characterized by polydispersity indices in the 1.05 ? 1.27 range were obtained in the presence of the Blatter radical and its derivatives containing CF₃, Ph, Fur‐2‐yl and 4‐PhC₆H₄ substituents, while polymerization proceeded either in a non‐controlled manner or in very low polymerization yields in the presence of derivatives containing halogen (Cl, Br, I) substituents. This preliminary investigation, demonstrating the potential use of the Blatter radical and its derivatives in mediated SFRP, creates new opportunities to design and develop radicals to optimize performance in such polymerization processes. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry     

Photo-induced living/controlled surface radical grafting polymerization and its application in fabricating 3-D micro-architectures on the surface of flat/particulate organic substrates

This feature article covers the fundamental chemistry and applications of photo-induced living surface grafting polymerization. The mechanism of activation of inert alkyl C-H bonds of polymer substrates, the structures of the active free radical and reversible dormant species, the modes of the grafting chain growth (including linear, branched and cross-linked variants), and the role of spatial effect are discussed. Two technologies, i.e., 1-step and 2-step processes, their features and applications in fabricating polymer brushes with precisely controlled patterns, desired functions, branched and block grafting chains on planar substrates, and polymer lamination are presented. The fabrication of 3-dimensional covalently bonded polymer particles, such as nano-sized polymer particle monolayers (with uniform and bimodal distributions), discrete solid and hollow polymer particles of micrometer size, and multilayer polymer particles on polymeric substrates are also introduced. In the last part, the application of photo-induced living surface grafting polymerization in non-planar surface modifications, such as the preparation of core-shell polymer particles, Janus particles and cross-linked hydrogels with hairy polymer chains is summarized.     

Organic/inorganic hybrid composites prepared by polymerization compounding and controlled free radical polymerization

A new method to produce highly filled and well dispersed polymer solid composites using controlled free radical polymerization has been developed. Grafting of polymers onto ultrafine silica was done in bulk polymerization at 120 °C in presence of N-tert-butyl-1-diethylphosphono2,2-dimethyl propyl nitroxide (DEPN) as a nitroxide stable free radical. Optimum conditions for tert-butyl hydroperoxide grafting onto fumed silica were first determined. The percentage of grafting, the architecture of grafted polymers, the length of chains, and the polydispersity index can be controlled at will using this approach. The effect of the number of grafted polymer chains combined with its molecular weight on the processing of these materials was investigated. The syntheses performed in this work gave grafting percentages of polymers and copolymers ranging from 12 to 88 wt%. All ‘synthesized’ composites gave stable suspensions in toluene and tetrahydrofuran.     

Double-external-field enables bulk controlled radical polymerization with narrow molecular weight distribution at high conversion

To control over molecular weight and its distribution in bulk controlled radical polymerization (CRP) at high conversion remains a challenge. Currently, there are few reports about bulk CRP regulated by external field. In this work, a new strategy combining external fields of light and ultrasound, namely double-external-field, is reported to overcome the challenge. Light irradiation directly reduces the deactivator Cu^IIBr₂/L in the presence of free amine ligand, while ultrasonic agitation improves the homogeneity of the system and moderates the diffusional limitations on activation-deactivation and termination processes. Bulk polymerizations of methyl acrylate (MA) were conducted in a controlled manner at conversion over 90%, producing PMA with low dispersities (Đ = 1.05–1.07) and good retention of chain-end functionality (77%). In addition, good control over the polymerizations for methyl methacrylate (MMA) and styrene was obtained, although the chain-end functionality of PMMA-Br requires further improvement. It is believed that this as-developed double-external-field regulation strategy is also applicable to other light induced bulk RDRP systems to improve the controllability.     

Free radical polymerization engineering—I: A new method for modeling free radical homogeneous polymerization reactions

This paper deals with a new appraisal of free radical polymerization modeling. Classical properties of the distribution of polymerization degrees and methods for studying them thanks to the z-transform are recalled. When simple mechanisms are involved, the kinetics may be represented by a “detailed analytic” model relying on macromolecule balances. This is no longer possible when complex processes are occurring, e.g. transfer to polymer, β-scission, terminal double bond propagation… In order to deal with these more complex cases, a “tendency model” is proposed, relying on balances of quantities such as free radicals, macromolecules and the moments of the distribution of polymerization degrees. The quality of the polymer is described by chemical characters such as double bonds, long and short branching points, terminal double bonds… for which kinetic equations are established. Equations are given for calculating the moments of free radicals and those of instantaneously produced macromolecules via various processes. The simplicity and the usefulness of the method are illustrated by several examples and a comparison is made, when possible, with the detailed approach. Finally, equations are given, making it possible to calculate the quality of polymer produced in any kind of reactor and for different states of segregation.     

Synthesis of functional polymers under conditions of controlled atom-transfer radical polymerization

The major achievements in the field of controlled atom-transfer radical polymerization, the most promising method of living radical polymerization, are analyzed. The relationship between the structure of a regulating agent and its activity under the conditions of controlled radical polymerization, including the efficiency of metal-complex catalysts for the targeted synthesis of macromolecules with predetermined molecular-mass characteristics, chain structure, and properties, is examined. Main trends in the development of this area of polymer chemistry are highlighted.     

Photo-induced Surface Property on Transparent Mesoporous Silica Thin Films Containing Single-site Photocatalyst

The transparent Ti-containing or Cr-containing mesoporous silica thin films can be prepared on quartz plate using a spin-coating sol–gel method. The spectroscopic characterization has revealed that these thin films contain isolated and tetrahedrally coordinated titanium oxide moieties and chromium oxide moieties in their frameworks, respectively. These mesoporous silica thin films containing metal oxide moieties have demonstrated a strong hydrophilic surface property even before UV-light irradiation and the appearance of the super-hydrophilic property after UV-light irradiation. Especially, the Cr-containing mesoporous silica (CMS) thin film showed the super-hydrophilic property even under visible light irradiation. In the presence of ethylene gas, the polyethylene was successfully formed on the surface of the CMS thin film under UV-light irradiation. After the formation of polyethylene the surface property of the CMS was converted into hydrophobic while keeping its transparency. The isolated and tetrahedrally coordinated titanium oxide moieties and chromium oxide moieties are responsible for these photo-induced surface reactions.     

Molecularly imprinted polymer nanomaterials and nanocomposites by controlled/living radical polymerization

Since the pioneering work of Wulff and Mosbach more than 30 years ago, molecular imprinting of synthetic polymers has emerged as a robust and convenient way for synthesizing polymeric receptor materials bearing specific recognition sites for target molecules. The resulting materials, molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs), are therefore commonly referred to as ‘plastic antibodies’. They are obtained by polymerizing a scaffold around a target, or a derivate thereof, which acts as a molecular template. MIPs have been successfully applied in many areas including affinity separation, immunoassays, chemical sensing, solid-phase extraction, drug delivery, cell and tissue imaging, direct synthesis and catalysis. In terms of affinity and selectivity, MIPs are on a par with biological receptors like antibodies, and this is accompanied by a superior chemical and physical stability, compatibility with organic media, reusability, easy engineering and low cost. These advantages represent the main reasons for the wide interest raised around molecularly imprinted materials. Mainly produced by free radical polymerization (FRP) of vinyl monomers, MIPs have also taken advantage of the introduction of controlled/living radical polymerization (CRP) techniques, which have literally transformed polymer chemistry over the last decade. This review describes the advantages arising from the use of CRP in synthesizing MIPs, both in terms of sheer binding properties as well as for their remarkable potential for post-polymerization functionalization, for the synthesis of MIP nanomaterials and for the integration of MIPs into composites and hybrid materials. The benefits of using CRP are critically assessed with respect to the still largely applied FRP and guidelines are provided for choosing the most convenient technique to fit a specific targeted application of MIPs.     

Controlled radical polymerization

Summary The free radical polymerization of chloromethylstyrene (CMS) with benzoyl peroxide (BPO) as initiator and 2,2,6,6 tetramethyl-1-piperidiniloxy (Tempo) as counter radical was studied. The living character was demonstrated by the linear dependence of versus conversion like that the control with polydispersity lower than 1,5. In a second step, styrene was introduced in polychloromethylstyrene capped with Tempo to produce PCMS-b-PS block copolymers (12,000/60,000) with and PCMS-Tempo macroinitiator efficiency closed to 85%.     

Synthesis of new free‐radical initiators for polymerization

Synthesis and properties of new initiating systems formed from commercially available ketones, glycols, and hydrogen peroxide (60%) are presented. In preparation of free radical initiators methyl ethyl ketone, which was oxidized by hydrogen peroxide, was used. Reaction was carried out in etanodiol or 1,4‐butanodiol as diluent. The obtained initiators with cobalt octoate as a promotor were applied for crosslinking of the commercially available unsaturated polyester resin. Properties of the resin were compared with those obtained while it was hardened by the typical curing system containing methyl ethyl ketone hydroperoxide and cobalt octoate. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 87: 2238–2243, 2003     

Synthesis and polymerization of maleimide-type new macromonomer with polystyrene having controlled chain length

A new reactive and functionalized polystyrene with a maleimide moiety at the one polymer end was synthesized with N-(4-(1-chloroethyl)pheyl)maleimide (CEPMI)/SnCl₄/tetra-butylammonium chloride (TBAC) initiating system. The polymer obtained with the CEPMI/SnCl₄/TBAC initiating system under the condition of [TBAC]/[SnCl₄] = 1 was to be maleimide-type macromonomer with polystyrene having controlled molecular weight of polystyrene (VI). VI could be polymerized with anionic and radical initiators to give new type graft polymer (poly[N-(4-ethylphenyl)maleimide]-graft-polystyrene) with controlled chain length with respect to side chains.