Synthesis of block terpolymers of N-methyl methacrylamide with styrene and isoprene by living radical polymerization

The synthesis of block terpolymers of N-methyl methacrylamide (NMeMA) with styrene (St) and isoprene (Is) [poly(NMeMa-b-St-b-Is) and poly(NMeMA-b-Is-b-St)] was achieved by using heterogeneous living radical polymerization (di-t-butylperoxide–UV, benzene) and high vacuum techniques. The existence of living macroradicals was detected by electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy. The terpolymers were not soluble in common organic solvents. The formation of polymeric blocks was confirmed by modulated differential scanning calorimetry (MDSC) and IR spectroscopy. © 1998 Society of Chemical Industry.