Synthesis of bio-based poly(methacrylates) using SG1-containing amphiphilic macroinitiators by nitroxide mediated miniemulsion polymerization

SG1-based amphiphilic macroinitiators were synthesized from oligoethylene glycol methyl ether methacrylate and 10 mol% acrylonitrile or styrene (as the controlling comonomer) to conduct the nitroxide mediated polymerization of bio-based methacrylic monomers (isobornyl methacrylate (IBOMA) and C13 alkyl methacrylate (C13MA)) in miniemulsion. The effect of the addition of surfactant (DOWFAX 8390), co-stabilizer (n-hexadecane) and different reaction temperatures (80, 90 and 100 degrees C) on polymerization kinetics was studied. We found that the NMP of IBOMA/C13MA using amphiphilic macroalkoxyamines were most effective during miniemulsion polymerization (linear trend of M-n versus conversion and high latex stability) in presence of 2 wt% surfactant and 0.8 wt% co-stabilizer (relative to monomer) at 90 degrees C. The effect of surfactant, co-stabilizer and temperature on particle size during the polymerization was studied and suggested a decrease in initial particle size with the addition of surfactant and co-stabilizer. Finally, the thermal properties of IBOMA/C13MA polymers, prepared by amphiphilic macroinitiators, were examined thoroughly, indicating a T-g in the range of -44 degrees C < T-g < 109 degrees C.

Automated summary

In this study, SG1-based amphiphilic macroinitiators were used for the nitroxide mediated polymerization of IBOMA/C13MA in miniemulsion. The effects of surfactant, co-stabilizer, and temperature on polymerization kinetics and particle size were investigated. The thermal properties of the polymers prepared by these macroinitiators showed a T-g range of -44°C < T-g < 109°C.