| Abstract: | Well defined all-acrylic graft copolymers have been synthesized using the macromonomer technique. Poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) macromonomers of controlled molecular weight and narrow molecular weight distribution have been synthesized by group transfer polymerization (GTP) using a protected hydroxyl functional initiator. These macromonomers were quantitatively functionalized with a polymerizable acrylic and group and copolymerized under free radical conditions with 2-ethylhexyl acrylate (2EHA) to form the desired well defined graft copolymers in high yields. The macromonomers and the copolymers have been characterized by a variety of spectroscopic, chromatographic and thermal analysis methods. Transparent, multiphase materials with glass transition temperature (Tg) values of approximately -65 °C and 115 °C were obtained. The reaction conditions necessary to generate these materials most effectively have also been investigated and are described herein. |
