Book of abstracts version 5

The synthesis of block copolymers based on styrene
analogues using a (Macro)-RAFT emulsion polymerization
Author
Neline van Loon
ATGM Academie voor Technologie Gezondheid en Milieu
Avans Hogeschool, Breda
Lectoraat Biobased Products
Sonny van Seeters
The synthesis of block copolymers based on styrene
analogues using a (Macro)-RAFT emulsion polymerization.
Abstract
The lectorate Biobased products is interested in replacing oil based monomers such as styrene in styrene analogues (4 -
atoxystyrene, acetoxyl guaicol and acetoxy canolol) to make biobased polymers. The aim of this project is to make a block
copolymer of styrene(analogues) and butyl acrylate in emulsion polymerisation using a Macro -RAFT agent. The problem
with usual RAFT-agents is that there not soluble in water. There are three solutions for this problem (Figure 1). The first
one is to use an emulsifying RAFT agent. The second solution is to use a Macro-RAFT agent. And the final solution is to
force the RAFT agent in the loci by ultra-sonication (mini-emulsion). DSC and GPC are used to determine if a block
copolymer is formed. Furthermore, conversion determination and kinetic studies are done to determine if there are RAFT
conditions. It is expected that it is possible to replace styrene with styrene analogues and that it is possible to make a
block copolymer by means of emulsion polymerization with an emulsifying RAFT agent or Macro-RAFT agent. The results
up til now show that using 1 wt % RAFT-agent is not enough to gain RAFT conditions.
Keywords: block copolymers, (Macro)-RAFT agent, emulsion polymerisation, styrene analogues.
Table of content
Figure 1: 1 = Emulsion polymerisation with emulsifying RAFT agent. 2 = Emulsion polymerisation with Macro-RAFT agent. 3
= Min-emulsion polymerisation.
[1]: S.Compiet, Vergelijking tussen emulsie, mini-emulsie en RAFT mini-emulsie polymerisatie, Breda: Avans Hogeschool,
2017.
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