Asteric polymers are currently used at The Lubrizol Corporation to provide performance advantages that enable the next generation of fuel and energy efficient lubricants. In lubricating fluids, star-shaped poly(alkyl)methacrylates (PMAs) exhibit improved viscosity index and shear stability at comparable thickening versus linear PMAs. It is now possible to prepare star-shaped PMAs on an industrial scale by utilizing a Reversible Addition Fragmentation chain-Transfer agent (RAFT CTA) with processing conditions similar to a conventional radical polymerization. Until recently, the RAFT chain transfer agent S-1-dodecyl-S'-(a,a'-dimethyl-a'-acetic acid)trithiocarbonate (RAFT TTC-acid) was not commercially available in bulk quantities. The Lubrizol Corporation put forth a process development plan that has allowed for the large scale production of star-shaped PMAs. The numerous steps taken to overcome significant challenges to produce high purity RAFT TTC-ester, shown below in figure 1, on a multi-ton scale and the use of purified and technical grade RAFT TTC-ester in the preparation of PMAs will be discussed.

Industrial scale RAFT chain transfer agent and star polymer production

248th National Meeting (2014)

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