Preparation of block copolymer particles by two-step, reversible chain transfer catalyzed polymerization (RTCP) with nitrogen catalyst in miniemulsion systems

We demonstrated a successful preparation of poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA)-b-poly(benzyl methacrylate) (PBzMA) particles in aqueous media by two-step reversible chain transfer catalyzed polymerization (RTCP) with N-iodosuccinimide as a catalyst at 70 °C. The polymerization smoothly proceeded, and the number-average molecular weight (Mn) increased linearly with conversion, which agreed with the theoretical molecular weight (Mn,th). The molecular weight distribution at each conversion was narrow (polydispersity index ≈ 1.4). Approximately 88% PMMA chains became PMMA-b-PBzMA at 64% conversion, which was a relatively high value.