Reducing ATRP Catalyst Concentration in Batch, Semibatch and Continuous Reactors

An overview of solution ATRPs carried out in batch, semibatch and continuous tubular and stirred‐tank reactor systems is presented. Initial work using a heterogeneous catalyst system with copper to polymer chain ratios of close to unity demonstrated the versatility of ATRP in producing homopolymer and copolymer at reasonable rates with good MW control and narrow polydispersity. The significant drawbacks of low catalyst solubility and high copper levels are now being addressed through use of the ARGET ATRP chemistry. Nearly colorless acrylate and methacrylate polymers have been produced with copper catalyst levels below 50 ppm (relative to monomer), with excellent control of MW obtained both in batch and continuous systems. magnified image