Recent advances in RAFT dispersion polymerization for preparation of block copolymer aggregates

CO2 is an ideal trigger for switchable or stimuli-responsive materials because it is benign, inexpensive, green, abundant, and does not accumulate in the system. Many different CO2-responsive materials including polymers, latexes, solvents, solutes, gels, surfactants, and catalysts have been prepared. This review focuses on the preparation, self-assembly, and functional applications of CO2-responsive polymers. Detailed discussion is provided on the synthesis of CO2-responsive polymers, in particular using reversible deactivation radical polymerization (RDRP), formerly known as controlled/living radical polymerization (CLRP), a powerful technique for the preparation of well-defined (co)polymers with precise control over molecular weight distribution, chain-end functional groups, and polymer architectural design. Self-assembly in aqueous dispersed media is highlighted as well as emerging potential applications.

CO2-responsive polymeric materials: synthesis, self-assembly, and functional applications.

Polymeric Surfactants : Synthesis, Properties, and Links to Applications

Amphiphilic Poly(ethylene oxide) Macromolecular RAFT Agent as a Stabilizer and Control Agent in ab Initio Batch Emulsion Polymerization

Anionic vinyl polymerization—50 years after Michael Szwarc

Summary: This article deals with recent progress including the authors' work concerning the application of block copolymers as polymeric surfactants in heterophase polymerizations. The synthesis methods for preparing block copolymers by emulsion and dispersion techniques are outlined, with emphasis on recently developed controlled free radical polymerizations in aqueous media. Specific characteristics of amphiphilic block copolymers are described, for example, micellization and emulsifying effects. A general overview of emulsion and dispersion polymerization in an aqueous and organic medium with ionic and nonionic block copolymers is presented for the preparation of electrosteric and sterically stabilized latex particles. Typical examples of microemulsion, miniemulsion, oil-in-oil emulsion, and micellar polymerizations are provided. Current and potential developments of so-called “hairy latexes”, inverse-, multiple-, and solid emulsions, as well as of nonaqueous polymeric dispersions are also discussed.

PS foam obtained by free radical polymerization of water-in-styrene, stabilized with a PS–PEO diblock copolymer.

Block Copolymers in Emulsion and Dispersion Polymerization

Well-defined colloidal dispersions of vinyl alcohol–vinyl acetate copolymers (PVAs) with different degrees of hydrolysis (DH) were prepared by a coacervation technique. Colloidal particles in the size range 150–250 nm, with an acetate-rich core and a hydrophilic PVA corona, were obtained using a combination of a hydrophobic PVA (PVA II) having an average DH () value of 43 mol% with a ‘blocky’ hydrophilic PVA (PVA I) with a value of 72 mol%. The core–shell structure of these particles was demonstrated using 1H NMR and using fluorescence-labelled PVA I. The stabilization efficiency of PVA I and PVA II and their combination was examined for 1-chlorobutane–water emulsions, as a ‘model solvent’ for vinyl chloride–water emulsions. Preliminary tests of vinyl chloride suspension polymerization confirmed the beneficial effect of PVA I and PVA II combinations as stabilizers on the granulometry and the porosity specifications of the poly(vinyl chloride) grains. Copyright © 2006 Society of Chemical Industry

Preparation and characterization of colloidal dispersions of vinyl alcohol–vinyl acetate copolymers: application as stabilizers for vinyl chloride suspension polymerization

Clorinthe Labbe

Papers

Block Copolymers in Emulsion and Dispersion Polymerization

Preparation and characterization of colloidal dispersions of vinyl alcohol–vinyl acetate copolymers: application as stabilizers for vinyl chloride suspension polymerization