Zero valent metal/RAFT agent mediated CRP of functional monomers at room temperature: a promising catalyst system for CRP

Abstract

In this work, a zero-valent iron (Fe(0)) powder/RAFT agent was used as a catalyst system for the control polymerization of glycidyl methacrylate (GMA) at ambient temperature (25 °C). A kinetic investigation indicated that the polymerization was a living/controlled process. Molecular weight increased linearly with monomer conversion with a relatively low molecular weight distribution (M_w/M_n < 1.35). Fe(0) wire or other zero valent metal powder (Co, Ni, Mn, Zn) are found to be applicable. Interestingly, polymerization of 4-vinylpyridine, 2-(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate or poly(ethylene glycol)monomethyl ether methacrylate can also be well controlled with this protocol. The Fe(0)/RAFT polymerization showed its superiority with low cost, eco-friendly and potential for mass production.