Synthesis of Branched Polymers under Continuous-Flow Microprocess: An Improvement of the Control of Macromolecular Architectures

Polymerization reactions can benefit from continuous‐flow microprocess in terms of kinetics control, reactants mixing or simply efficiency when high‐throughput screening experiments are carried out. In this work, we perform for the first time the synthesis of branched macromolecular architecture thr...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Macromolecular rapid communications. 2011-11, Vol.32 (22), p.1820-1825
Main Authors: Bally, Florence, Serra, Christophe A., Brochon, Cyril, Hadziioannou, Georges
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Architecture
atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP)
Branched
Chemical Sciences
Chemistry Techniques, Synthetic - instrumentation
Chemistry Techniques, Synthetic - methods
continuous-flow
Diffusion
microprocess
Molecular Structure
Polymerization
Polymers
Polymers - chemical synthesis
Reaction kinetics
self-condensing vinyl copolymerization (SCVCP)
Synthesis
Tuning
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Summary:Polymerization reactions can benefit from continuous‐flow microprocess in terms of kinetics control, reactants mixing or simply efficiency when high‐throughput screening experiments are carried out. In this work, we perform for the first time the synthesis of branched macromolecular architecture through a controlled/‘living' polymerization technique, in tubular microreactor. Just by tuning process parameters, such as flow rates of the reactants, we manage to generate a library of polymers with various macromolecular characteristics. Compared to conventional batch process, polymerization kinetics shows a faster initiation step and more interestingly an improved branching efficiency. Due to reduced diffusion pathway, a characteristic of microsystems, it is thus possible to reach branched polymers exhibiting a denser architecture, and potentially a higher functionality for later applications. Continuous‐flow microprocess enables the convenient synthesis of a library of linear and branched methacrylic polymers through controlled/‘living' polymerization technique. SCVCP via ATRP is performed for the first time in tubular microreactor and generates polymers with improved branching efficiency, and thus higher potential functionality, compared to conventional glassware reactor, as diffusion pathway is decreased.
ISSN:1022-1336
1521-3927
1521-3927
DOI:10.1002/marc.201100429