Optimizing the generation of narrow polydispersity 'arm-first' star polymers made using RAFT polymerization

In this article, the synthesis of well-defined, narrow polydispersity (PDI < 1.2) star polymers via RAFT polymerisation is detailed. An 'arm-first' method is described using a crosslinked nanogel core. The synthetic conditions and variables were thoroughly investigated and optimised so that nearly quantitative arm incorporation was found to occur. The parameters studied included polymerization time, the arm molecular weight, and the nature of the solvent and cross-linker.