This study demonstrates the remarkable effect of using an external electric field to control polymerization. In the presence of high electric fields (up to 154 kV/cm), we have carried out free-radical polymerization of methyl methacrylate (MMA), chosen as a modeled polymer system. Static (DC) and alternating (AC) electric fields were considered. The results show that the electric field does not significantly affect the reaction kinetics. However, it provides a high monomer conversion and modifies the properties of the outcome material. For example, the magnitude and/or frequency of the applied electric field allows controlling the molecular weight and polydispersity index of the synthesized polymer. Surprisingly, pronounced changes in the polymer stereochemistry were also observed. There is a trend for increasing isotactic triad content with increasing the field magnitude. Likewise, increased isotactic preference can be stimulated by using a low-frequency AC field. Our results open up new possibilities for a straightforward and versatile electric field-induced stereocontrol in polymer science.

Stereoregulation of methyl methacrylate (MMA) free-radical polymerization by high electric fields: A new approach for polymer tacticity control

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