Synthesis of Hyperbranched Polymers via PET‐RAFT Self‐Condensing Vinyl Polymerization in a Flow Reactor. Issue 1 (28th November 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Rong, Li‐Han; Cheng, Xiang; Ge, Jin; Caldona, Eugene B.; Advincula, Rigoberto C.
• Is Part Of: Macromolecular chemistry and physics. Volume 223:Issue 1(2022)
• Page Start: n/a
• Page End: n/a
• Publication Date: 2021-11-28
• Subjects: flow chemistry -- hyperbranched polymers -- PET‐RAFT -- SCVP; Polymers -- Periodicals; Polymerization -- Periodicals; Synthetic products -- Periodicals; Macromolecules -- Periodicals; 547.7
• DOI: 10.1002/macp.202100342
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1022-1352

Abstract

Abstract: Photoinduced polymerization techniques have been used in preparing various polymeric materials as they share several advantages with thermally‐triggered processes using mild conditions, low catalyst concentrations, and easy‐to‐perform experimental conditions. By combining photoinduced eletrotransfer reversible addition–fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization with self‐condensing vinyl polymerization (SCVP), in this work, a series of hyperbranched polymers is prepared in a flow reactor. Considered to be an alternative powerful method in improving scalability, reliability, and efficiency, the use of a flow reactor allowed us to synthesize hyperbranched poly(poly(ethylene glycol methyl ether)acrylate) (PPEGMEA) under extremely mild conditions–room temperature, open vessel, and use of LED light and water/methanol mixed solutions. The method also demonstrates considerable controllability in molecular weight and branching density by adjusting the feeding ratio of monomer to transmer, leading to the synthesis of block copolymers. Abstract : Hyperbranched polymer synthesis is demonstrated under continuous flow reactor photoinduced polymerization techniques with PET‐RAFT polymerization using a self‐condensing vinyl polymerization (SCVP). Mild conditions with LED light and water/methanol mixed solutions are used. This significantly increased the process efficiency and offers a pathway for large‐scale synthesis.