This work describes the first time that activator generated by electron transfer atom transfer radical polymerization (AGET ATRP) has been used to synthesize degradable polyHIPEs, highly proous polymers synthesized within high internal phase emulsions (HIPEs). While AGET ATRP has been used previously to polymerize oil-in-water HIPEs, it has never been used to synthesize degradable polyHIPEs. PolyHIPE synthesis by AGET ATRP has proven to be simplier than other AGET ATRP reactions, since no deoxygenation is needed. The polyHIPEs in this work were made from 2-ethylhexyl methacrylate and bis (2-methacryloyl)oxyethyl disulfide, a degradable cross-linker. It was determined that selection of a proper catalyst is crucial. A good catalyst (CuBr2/BPMODA) yielded control over the reaction and produced a degradable macromolecular structure, while a poor catalyst (CuBr2/bpy) did not. When degraded, the resulting macromolecules had Mn= 30,500 and Mw/Mn= 1.6. These results indicate a well-controlled reaction, especially considering there was no deoxygenation of the HIPE before or stirring during polymerization. The degradable polyHIPEs exhibit significantly higher compressive moduli than similar non-degradable polyHIPEs synthesized from the same monomer using AGET ATRP. This difference in modulus reflects the differences in the network structure of the crosslinking comonomer. 

Degradable, highly porous polymers synthesized within HIPEs using AGET ATRP

245th National Meeting (2013)

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