Hyperbranched polyacrylates prepared by self‐condensing vinyl copolymerization in the presence of a tetrafunctional initiator

Hyperbranched copolymers were synthesized by self‐condensing vinyl copolymerization (SCVCP) of 2‐[(2‐bromopropionyl)oxy]ethyl acrylate (BPEA) and methyl acrylate (MA) in the presence of a tetrafunctional initiator, 6,6‐bis[5‐(α‐bromoisobutyryloxy)‐2‐oxapentyl]‐4,8‐dioxaundecane‐yl‐1,11 dibromoisobutyrate (THABI). The structures of the polymers obtained were characterized by NMR and size exclusion chromatography/right‐angle laser‐light scattering/differential viscometry/differential refractometry. Molecular weight, molecular weight distribution and degree of branching were influenced by conversion and initial feed molar ratio of BPEA, MA and THABI. The addition of THABI can narrow the polydispersity of the hyperbranched copolymers obtained. The results are consistent with our previous simulation work.