Abstract: | ABSTRACT The synthesis of block copolymers containing low molar mass polypropylene and poly(meth)acrylates is reported. Vinyl-terminated polypropylene (Mn SEC=3,100; Mw/Mn=1.45) was used to prepare a macroinitiator for atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) via hydrosilation with 1-(2-bromoisobutyryloxy)propyl-tetramethyldisiloxane. Polar segments were then incorporated to polypropylene by chain extension using either methyl methacrylate, or n-butyl acrylate. While blocking efficiency was limited in this system, well-defined PP-b-PMMA (Mn=22,220; Mw/Mn=1.14) was obtained by extraction of unreacted polypropylene with diethyl ether. |