Synthesis of block copolymers by mechanistic transformation from reversible complexation mediated living radical polymerization to the photoinduced radical oxidation/addition/deactivation process

Abstract

A versatile strategy for the fabrication of block copolymers by the combination of two discrete living polymerization techniques-reversible complexation mediated living radical polymerization (RCMP) and photoinduced radical oxidation addition deactivation (PROAD) processes-is reported. First, RCMP is conducted to yield poly(methyl methacrylate) with iodide end groups (PMMA-I). In the following step, PMMA-I is used as macroinitiator for living PROAD cationic polymerization of isobutyl vinyl ether. Successful formation of the block copolymers is confirmed by 1H NMR, FT-IR, GPC, and DSC investigations.