Amphiphilic block-copolymers can undergo self-assembly into a range of relevant morphologies (micelles, worms, vesicles…). Photo-RAFT and photo-PISA (polymerization-induced self-assembly) are experimentally proven technologies with convenient performance such as low operating temperature and narrow polydispersity of the resulting polymer blocks. In this work, we develop a novel dynamic model integrating photo-energy/electron-transfer kinetics with a standard model of the RAFT polymerization kinetics, as well as a convenient method for parameter estimation that only requires typically available experimental data. We have successfully validated the model and parameter identifiability methodology against experimental data for PEG-b-PHPMA block copolymer at different operation conditions. Finally, we will also discuss how the model proved useful even beyond its intended initial purpose.

Construction and experimental validation of a dynamic kinetic model of photo-RAFT and photo-PISA

256th National Meeting (2018)

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