Gradient copolymers are novel materials whose composition changes gradually along the length of the polymer chains. Given such chemical composition, gradient copolymers possess unique properties distinct from the corresponding block or random copolymers, e.g., thermal properties, compatibility, and micellization. Reversible-deactivation radical polymerizations (RDRPs), such as atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP), and reversible addition-fragment chain transfer polymerization (RAFT) polymerization have successfully demonstrated their ability to provide novel will-defined macromolecular architectures in homogenous and heterogeneous systems with a wide range of functional monomers. Here we report the use of RDRPs to produce gradient copolymers specifically with a broad glass transitions (T<sub>g</sub>).

Synthesis and characterization of gradient copolymers made by semi-batch reversible-deactivation radical polymerizations

254th National Meeting (2017)

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