4. CRP & NMP/RAFT

Question 1

What is chain transfer?

Answer 1

Chain transfer is a polymerization reaction by which the activity of a growing polymer chain is transferred to another molecule.

P• + XR’ → PX + R’•

Chain transfer reactions reduce the average molecular weight of the final polymer

Question 2

What is RAFT?

Answer 2

RAFT is a type of living polymerization involving a conventional radical polymerization which is mediated by a RAFT agent. Monomers must be capable of radical polymerization. There are a number of steps in a RAFT polymerization: initiation, pre-equilibrium, re-initiation, main equilibrium, propagation and termination.

Question 3

Which monomer cannot be polymerized by NMP if no other monomer is incorporated in the polymer?

Answer 3

Methacrylate cannot by polymerised by NMP

Question 4

Which type of polymerization can be used make chain growth happen in both/several ends of the polymer?

Answer 4

ATRP via multifunctional iniator or by having a middle part of polymer have OH groups in each end which can then react with new monomers.

NMP via unimolecular initiator