Presentation day

Tuesday  2:50 PM

 

TITLE

In situ Block Copolymer Self-Assemblies via RAFT aqueous dispersion polymerization of MEA using PEO-macro CTA

 

Abstract

Aqueous dispersion polymerization systems via reversible addition fragmentation chain
transfer (RAFT) process is well-known as the method to synthesize in situ stable polymer particles from the
monodisperse polymer that are used in wide variety of applications such as dispersants, biochemical or
biomedical analysis. The synthesis starts when both steric stabilizer and monomer are dissolved in solvent;
however, the polymer is not dissolved after the polymerization proceeded. Therefore, well-defined particles
are formed when steric stabilizer perform and disperse the particle. Moreover, the outside layer of the
polymer made by this steric stabilizer serves to set off the functionality of the particles as well. As the core
grow, they become increasingly hydrophobic. Then, the resulting block copolymers undergo spontaneous
self-assembly in water. These processes are reported to be most versatile and highly efficient to produce
nanoassemblies polymers, either diblock copolymer spheres, worms or vesicles. Herein, we report the selfassemblies
of various block copolymers using a hydrophilic macro-chain transfer agent as a reactive steric
stabilizer, i.e. poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) macro-CTA.