It is well known that, graft copolymers are an important type of polymer architectures. The conventional methods for the preparation of graft copolymers like �grafting onto�, �grafting from� and �grafting through� require a multi-step preparation procedure. Formation of graft copolymers in one-step could be highly advantageous, and we present copolymerization of �-propiolactone (�-PL) and styrene (St) as a rare example of formation of graft copolymers in one-step by radical polymerization. �-PL is an interesting 4 membered cyclic ester capable of undergoing radical ring-opening polymerization forming corresponding aliphatic polyester. In an attempt to utilize free radical copolymerization reactions of �-PL with styrene for the formation of degradable functional polymers we observed interestingly a rare behavior of formation of special polymer architecture (graft copolymers (PSt-g-�-PL)).The radical ring-opening copolymerization of �-PL and St at 120�C for all monomer feed ratios led to the grafting of polyesters onto the polystyrene backbone. A significant difference in the reactivity of St and �-PL and radical chain transfer reactions at the PSt backbone followed by combination with the active growing poly(�-PL) chains led to the formation of graft copolymers by grafting onto mechanism. The details of the formation of graft polymers in one step, a rare phenomenon, by radical polymerization together with mechanism of formation will be highlighted in the talk.

Rare example of grafting of polyesters onto polystyrene in one-step by radical polymerization

248th National Meeting (2014)

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