| Abstract: | A new method of block polymer preparation using combined anionic and free radical polymerization was investigated. In the method the first monomer was polymerized anionically. The resulting polymeric anions were then reacted with an episulfide to form a polymer with mercaptan end-groups. This mercapto—polymer was mixed with a second monomer(s) in an inert solvent for the free radical polymerization. Conventional free radical initiation methods were used to initiate the polymerization of the second monomer but because of the high chain transfer constant of the mercaptan groups, a large number of the free radical chains would grow from the first polymer to form a block polymer. Block polymers difficult or impossible to make by direct anionic polymerization can thus be prepared. Several block polymers, including the new thermoplastic elastomers, poly[(styrene-co-acrylonitrile)-b-butadiene-b-(styrene-co-acrylonitrile)] and poly(bromostyrene-b-butadiene-b-bromostyrene) were prepared by this method. |
