Dispersion Atom Transfer Radical Polymerization of vinyl monomers in supercritical carbon dioxide

Controlled dispersion atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) of methyl methacrylate (MMA) was successfully carried out in supercritical carbon dioxide in the presence of aminated fluoropolymers. These materials played the dual role of macroligand for the copper bromide and also steric stabilizer to support formation of polymer microspheres. The livingness of the PMMA beads was confirmed by the one-pot two-step PMMA chain extension and the synthesis of poly(methyl methacrylate)-b-poly(2,2,2-trifluoroethyl methacrylate) (PMMA-b-PFMA) diblock copolymer in scCO2. Successful activator generated by electron transfer (AGET) for ATRP of MMA, using tin ethylhexanoate as a reducing agent, is also discussed, and the concept of dispersion ATRP of MMA was successfully extended to the controlled dispersion polymerization of styrene by ATRP leading to the formation of PS microparticles. Finally, due to the high solubility of the catalyst in scCO2, the purification of PMMA was investigated by supercritical fluid extraction, leading to the preparation of PMMA beads with low residual catalyst traces.