Controlled Polymerization of Multivinyl Monomers: Formation of Cyclized/Knotted Single‐Chain Polymer Architectures

Seventy years ago, Flory and Stockmayer predicted that the polymerization of multivinyl monomers (MVMs) would inevitably lead to insoluble cross‐linked gel networks. Since then, the use of MVMs has largely been limited to as cross‐linking agents. More recently, however, polymerization strategies such as reversible deactivation radical polymerization (RDRP) have paved the way for the exploration of new possibilities in terms of both polymer architectures and functional capabilities. This Minireview provides historical context to the problem of polymerizing MVMs, before highlighting how RDRP has led to the formation of new cyclized/knotted polymer structures. Although the potential of such cyclized/knot polymer architectures is far from being fulfilled, some emerging applications are discussed.     

Modelling Development in Radical (Co)Polymerization of Multivinyl Monomers

Radical polymerization (RP) of multivinyl monomers (MVMs) provides a facile solution for manipulating polymer topology and has received increasing attention due to their industrial and academic significance. Continuous efforts have been made to understand their mechanism, which is the key to regulating materials structure. Modelling techniques have become a powerful tool that can provide detailed information on polymerization kinetics which is inaccessible by experiments. Many publications have reported the combination of experiments and modelling for free radical polymerization (FRP) and reversible-deactivation radical polymerizations (RDRP) of MVMs. Herein, a minireview is presented for the most important modelling techniques and their applications in FRP/RDRP of MVMs. This review hopes to illustrate that the combination of modelling and wet experiments can be a great asset to polymer researchers and inspire new thinking for the future MVMs experiment optimization and product design.     

Single cyclized molecule structures from RAFT homopolymerization of multi-vinyl monomers

We explore a kinetically controlled strategy to suppress the gelation in the homopolymerization of multi-vinyl monomers (MVMs) via RAFT polymerization. We report the generation of 3D single cyclized polymer structures from the RAFT process, which significantly contradicts the classic F-S theory. This approach enables synthesis of a new generation of nanosize macromolecular architectures.     

可逆加成-断裂链转移活性自由基聚合的应用研究进展

可逆加成-断裂链转移(Reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer,RAFT)自由基聚合是活性自由基聚合领域的一次突破.由于该方法具有适用单体范围广、反应条件温和以及聚合实施方法多样等优点,已成为一种有效的分子设计和材料设计手段.它不但可实现聚合物链端及链段侧基的功能化和制备特定空间拓扑结构的大分子,比如嵌段、星型、梳状及链端氨基聚合物等,还可用于修饰固体材料表面及生物大分子来赋予其特殊的功能.本文综述了RAFT技术在实际应用中的实施研究进展.     

Catalysts for the living insertion polymerization of alkenes: access to new polyolefin architectures using Ziegler-Natta chemistry

Coordination-insertion polymerization systems have long been superior to their anionic, cationic, and radical polymerization counterparts with regard to stereochemical control. However, until five years ago, these metal-based insertion methods were inferior to ionic and radical mechanisms in the category of living polymerization, which is simply a polymerization that occurs with rapid initiation and negligible chain termination or transfer. In the last half decade, the living insertion polymerization of unactivated olefins has emerged as a powerful tool for the synthesis of new polymer architectures. Materials available today by this route range from simple homopolymers such as linear and branched polyethylene, to atactic or tactic poly(alpha-olefins), to end-functionalized polymers and block copolymers. This review article summarizes recent developments in this rapidly growing research area at the interface of synthetic and mechanistic organometallic chemistry, polymer chemistry, and materials science. While special emphasis is placed on polymer properties and novel polymeric architectures, most of which were inaccessible just a decade ago, important achievements with respect to ligand and catalyst design are also highlighted.     

Can Flory-Stockmayer theory be applied to predict conventional free radical polymerization of multivinyl monomers? A study via Monte Carlo simulations

The conventional free radical polymerization (FRP) of multivinyl monomers (MVMs) inevitably leads to gelation even at low monomer conversion resulting in difficulties to control and monitor the reaction process. Flory and Stockmayer (F-S theory) studied it based on two fundamental assumptions: (1) independent and equivalent vinyl groups; (2) no intramolecular cyclization. However, until now its applicability to FRP of MVMs (especially regarding the extent of intramolecular cyclization) is still controversial. In this paper, Monte Carlo simulations are used to study FRP of divinyl monomers by two kinetic models: with/without cyclization models. The results of the simulations are compared with the calculated gel points based on F-S theory and the experimental data. It is found that the intramolecular cyclization has a negligible impact on the polymerization process and the gel point before gelation, which are in agreement with the prediction by F-S theory, but the effect becomes significant above the gel points.     

Building nanostructures using RAFT polymerization

Reversible addition fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization is one of the most extensively studied controlled/living radical polymerization methods that has been used to prepare well‐defined nanostructured polymeric materials. This review, with more 650 references illustrates the range of well‐defined functional nanomaterials that can be accessed using RAFT chemistry. The detailed syntheses of macromolecules with predetermined molecular weights, designed molecular weight distributions, controlled topology, composition and functionality are presented. RAFT polymerization has been exploited to prepare complex molecular architectures, such as stars, blocks and gradient copolymers. The self‐assembly of RAFT‐polymer architectures has yielded complex nanomaterials or in combination with other nanostructures has generated hybrid multifunctional nanomaterials, such as polymer‐functionalized nanotubes, graphenes, and inorganic nanoparticles. Finally nanostructured surfaces have been described using the self‐organization of polymer films or by the utilization of polymer brushes. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2011     

Hierarchical comb brush architectures via sequential light‐mediated controlled radical polymerizations

A novel strategy for the synthesis and characterization of branched polymer brushes by sequential light‐mediated controlled radical polymerizations is described. Initially, linear brushes are prepared by surface‐initiated copolymerization of methyl methacrylate and 2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA). In a subsequent step, the HEMA side chains are functionalized with initiating groups for secondary graft polymerization, leading to hierarchical, branched architectures. The increased steric bulk due to the polymer side chains results in a dramatic increase in film thickness when compared to the starting linear brushes. This strategy also allows chemical gradient and complex three‐dimensional structures to be obtained by employing grayscale photomasks in combination with controlled radical polymerization. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2016 , 54, 2276–2284     

Effect of a Set of Acids and Polymerization Conditions on the Architecture of Polycarbonates Obtained via Ring Opening Polymerization

Polycarbonate‐based polymers with a well‐defined architecture have become interesting materials due to their large range of applications. Ring opening polymerization (ROP) has been largely applied to make branched polycarbonates. The polymer architectures obtained via this method are strictly related with the polymerization mechanisms involved which depend on the polymerization conditions chosen. Hereby, we evaluate the catalytic activity of three acids, fumaric, trifluoroacetic, and methanesulfonic on the Cationic ROP of trimethylene carbonate (TMC) over a trifunctional initiator, trimethylol propane (TMP), under different reaction conditions. In‐detail characterization of the polymers showed the co‐existence of two polymerization mechanisms: the activated monomer (AM), which produces a tri‐armed branched polycarbonate with inclusion of the TMP initiator (TMP‐PTMC), and a combined AM/Activated Chain End (ACE) mechanism, which produces a linear polycarbonate (L‐PTMC). Such mixtures were identified for nearly all the reaction variables investigated, together with other side reactions. Upon optimization of the synthesis, the polymerizations in toluene with TFA at 35 °C and equimolar acid/initiator ratio were optimal, avoiding side reactions, but still resulting in a polymer mixture composed of ～69% TMP‐PTMC and 31% of a polycarbonate linear polymer. The occurrence of such mixed polymer architectures is commonly overlooked in literature regarding CROP of branched polycarbonates. We demonstrate the importance of performing a full characterization for a successful detection of polymer mixtures having different (number of) end‐functionalities, which are critical for further use in advanced applications, such as in the biomedical or pharmaceutical filed. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2017 , 55, 1502–1511     

Architectural control of polystyrene physical properties using branched anionic polymerization initiated at ambient temperature

Ambient temperature-initiated anionic polymerization has generated branched polystyrenes of varying molecular weights and architectures by inclusion of a distyryl branching comonomer into a conventional sec-Butylithium-initiated polymerization of styrene. Primary chain length control within the branched polymers, and restriction of the branching points to varying segments of the primary chains, led to variations of glass transition temperature with no direct correlation to the branched polymer molecular weight but a strong relationship to the length of individual chains comprising the branched macromolecules.     

Molecular weight distribution in free radical polymerization with long-chain branching

A new theory to predict the molecular weight distribution in free radical polymerization that includes chain transfer to polymer is proposed. This theory is based on the branching density distribution of the primary polymer molecules. The branching density distribution provides the information on how each chain is connected to other chains, and therefore, a full molecular weight distribution can be calculated by application of the Monte Carlo simulation. The present theory accounts for the history of the generated branched structure and can be applied to various reaction systems that involve branching and crosslinking regardless of the reactor types used. The present simulation confirmed the validity of the method of moments in a batch polymerization proposed earlier. It was shown clearly why gelation never occurs by chain transfer to polymer without the assistance of other interlinking reaction such as bimolecular termination by combination. © 1993 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.     

Tailoring macromolecular architecture with imidazole functionality: A perspective for controlled polymerization processes

Controlled radical polymerization (CRP) allows for the design and synthesis of functional polymers with tailored composition and unique macromolecular architectures. Synthetic methods that are readily available for controlled radical polymerization include nitroxide-mediated polymerization, reversible addition–fragmentation chain transfer polymerization, and atom transfer radical polymerization. N-Vinyl monomers that are typically amenable to free radical methods are often difficult to synthesize in a controlled manner to high molecular weight due to the lack of resonance stabilization of the propagating radical. However, recent advances in the field of CRP have resulted in successful controlled polymerization of various N-vinyl heterocyclic monomers including N-vinylcarbazole, N-vinylpyrrolidone, N-vinylphthalimide, and N-vinylindole. The incorporation of the imidazole ring into homopolymers and copolymers using conventional free radical polymerization of N-vinylimidazole monomer is particularly widespread and advantageous due to facile functionalization, high thermal stability, and the relevance of the imidazole ring to many biomacromolecules. Copolymers prepared with methyl methacrylate displayed random incorporation according to differential scanning calorimetry and amorphous morphologies according to X-ray scattering. Imidazole- and imidazolium-containing monomers have shown recent success for CRP; however, the controlled polymerization of N-vinylimidazole has remained relatively unexplored. Future efforts focus on the development of tailored imidazole-containing copolymers with well-defined architectures for emerging biomedical, electronic and membrane applications.     

Hydrophilic polymer supports for solid-phase synthesis: hydroxyl-functional beads of poly(vinylpyrrolidone)

Poly(vinylpyrrolidone) (PVP) has solubility properties that make it an attractive material for polymer-assisted synthesis applications; however, the naked polymer lacks reactive groups upon which to do chemistry. Furthermore, large differences in radical reactivity between 1-vinylpyrrolidin-2-one (NVP) and most other monomers lead to compositional drift during copolymerization, further complicating the introduction of functional groups into the polymer using this method. Monomers that are derivatives of NVP itself are expected to show smaller differences in radical reactivity and therefore provide a way of preparing PVP with adjustable properties. Three monomers introducing hydroxyl-functional groups and a new cross-linker, all derivatives of NVP, were synthesized and used in the preparation of a new type of hydrophilic polymer beads by aqueous suspension polymerization. These lightly cross-linked beads contain hydroxyl groups at a functional loading of 0.21-0.29 mmol/g and swell extensively in a broad range of solvents.     

单电子转移活性自由基聚合制备支化聚丙烯酸甲酯的研究

以丙烯酸2-(2-溴异丁酰氧基)乙酯(BIEA)为引发剂单体(inimer),丙烯酸甲酯(MA)为单体,Cu0/CuBr2和N,N,N',N″,N″-五甲基二亚乙基三胺(PMDETA)为催化体系,二甲亚砜(DMSO)为溶剂,在常温(25℃)下通过单电子转移活性自由基聚合(SET-LRP)合成支化聚丙烯酸甲酯.聚合反应过程中,采用气相色谱(GC)、核磁共振(1H-NMR)和三检测体积排除色谱(TD-SEC)等测试手段跟踪分析和表征支化聚合物的结构.研究结果表明,采用SET-LRP方法,铜粉作为催化剂,常温下聚合反应就能快速进行,130 min之内MA的转化率已达99%以上,制备出高分子量支化聚合物.随着反应的不断进行,聚合物支化程度不断提高,相比较同分子量下的线型聚合物其黏度不断下降,Mark-Houwink特征常数α最小可达0.290.此外,低分子量聚合物组分随着反应不断减少,在高单体转化率下,聚合体系中以高支化度的聚丙烯酸甲酯为主.     

Supramolecular Diblock Copolymers Featuring Well‐defined Telechelic Building Blocks

We report supramolecular AB diblock copolymers comprised of well‐defined telechelic building blocks. Helical motifs, formed via reversible addition‐fragmentation chain‐transfer (RAFT) or anionic polymerization, are assembled with coil‐forming and sheet‐featuring blocks obtained via atom‐transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) or ring‐opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP). Interpolymer hydrogen bonding or metal‐coordination achieves dynamic diblock architectures featuring hybrid topologies of coils, helices, and/or π‐stacked sheets that, on a basic level, mimic protein structural motifs in fully synthetic systems. The intrinsic properties of each block (e.g., circular dichroism and fluorescence) remain unaffected in the wake of self‐assembly. This strategy to develop complex synthetic polymer scaffolds from functional building blocks is significant in a field striving to produce architectures reminiscent of biosynthesis, yet fully synthetic in nature. This is the first plug‐and‐play approach to fabricate hybrid π‐sheet/helix, π‐sheet/coil, and helix/coil architectures via directional self‐assembly.     

Die lebende anionische Polymerisation

Sixty years ago Michael Szwarc discovered the living anionic polymerization. Despite the stringent synthetic requirements it has become a key method to synthesize well‐defined polymers and complex polymer architectures. Many new polymerization methods were inspired by the living anionic polymerization. Tailor‐made block copolymers are used on large scale in a large variety of industrial applications ranging from packaging to electronic devices and nanomedicine.     

On growth patterns of branched polymer architectures

In nature trees may have many different forms and so have all natural branched structures. Differences in branched architectures of synthetic polymers can only be explained by kinetics. We compare radical polymerization of low density Polyethylene (PE) and PE polymerization with Constrained Geometry Catalyst (CGC) metallocene. The architectures generated by our synthesis algorithms revealed marked differences between the two PE-systems. Metallocene-PE turned out to be more comb-like. This could partially be explained by analyzing growth patterns of the two PE types as incorporated in the architecture synthesis algorithms.     

Covalent amphiphilic polymer networks

The recent literature on chemically cross-linked amphiphilic polymer networks is reviewed. The main subjects covered are network synthesis, characterization, modeling and applications. Special mention is made to more modern methods for amphiphilic network synthesis and in particular to those involving controlled polymerization techniques. A key question regarding synthesis is which method gives the most perfect networks. On the characterization side is the issue of microphase separation of amphiphilic networks in water and the morphologies obtained in these systems, in comparison with the morphologies of amphiphilic linear block copolymers in water. Major recent advances: The most important developments of the past year in the field of amphiphilic polymer networks involved mainly new syntheses: cross-linked stars of various star architectures, cross-linked linear chains of various architectures and compositions, poly(tetrahydrofuran)- and poly(propylene fumarate)-based networks, tricomponent networks containing silicon, and cross-linked poly(acrylic acid)-grafted Pluronics. A first crude model was also developed which shows that amphiphilic networks prefer to be mostly in the microphase separated state. Extensive and systematic experimental studies on network microphase separation are yet to be performed.     

Controlling polymer structures by atom transfer radical polymerization and other controlled/living radical polymerizations

Fundamentals of controlled/living radical polymerization (CRP) and Atom Transfer Radical Polymerization (ATRP), relevant to the synthesis of controlled polymer structures are described. Macromolecular brushes with star like structure are used as an example to illustrate synthetic power of ATRP.     

Fabrication of thermosensitive polymer nanopatterns through chemical lithography and atom transfer radical polymerization

Micro- and nanopatterns of thermosensitive poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) brush on gold substrate were prepared by using chemical lithography combined with surface-initiated atom transfer radical polymerization. Self-assembled monolayers of 4'-nitro-1, 1'-biphenyl-4-thiol were structured by chemical lithography which produced cross-linked 4'-amino-1,1'-biphenyl-4-thiol monolayer within a nitro-terminated matrix. The terminal amino groups in monolayers were bounded with the surface initiator bromoisobutyryl bromide. After polymerization, the smallest size can reach to 70-nm line width and dots. The thermosensitivity of poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) brushes is demonstrated by contact angle measurement and fluid atomic force microscopy. This fabrication approach allows creating spatially defined polymer patterns and provides a simple and versatile method to construct complex micro- and nanopatterned polymer brushes with spatial and topographic control in a single step.