Facile synthesis of well-controlled poly(glycidyl methacrylate) and its block copolymers via SARA ATRP at room temperature

Abstract

The detailed synthesis of poly(glycidyl methacrylate) (PGMA) by atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) using a catalytic system of Fe(0)/Cu(II)Br₂ at room temperature is reported. The reaction system was optimized with regard to the ligand structure, solvent mixture and temperature. The kinetic data confirmed the controlled character of ATRP of GMA revealing a linear increase in molecular weight with conversion, very low dispersity (Đ < 1.1) and the complete retention of chain end functionality. The molecular structure of PGMA was confirmed by ¹H NMR. As a proof-of-concept, hybrid block copolymers of poly(dimethyl siloxane)-b-PGMA were prepared using ppm concentrations of soluble copper and a mixture of solvents. The results presented in this manuscript demonstrated the robustness of the catalytic system to afford PGMA and its block copolymers with controlled structures that can be further functionalized exploring the portfolio of chemistries involving the oxirane ring.