Synthesis of highly cross-linked poly(diethylene glycol dimethacrylate) microparticles in supercritical carbon dioxide

Herein we report the synthesis of poly(diethylene glycol dimethacrylate), poly(DEGDMA), by free-radical heterogeneous polymerization in supercritical carbon dioxide (scCO₂), using a commercially available carboxylic acid end-capped perfluoropolyether oil (Krytox 157FSL) as stabiliser. The effect of initial concentration of stabiliser, monomer and initiator on the yield and morphology of the resulting polymer has been investigated. Krytox worked effectively as a stabiliser and discrete poly(DEGDMA) particles with diameters ranging from 1.28 to 2.08 μm and narrow particle size distribution were produced in supercritical carbon dioxide, in high yield and in short reaction times, without making use of harmful organic solvents.