Photoinitiated Seeded RAFT Dispersion Polymerization: A Facile Method for the Preparation of Epoxy-Functionalized Triblock Copolymer Nano-Objects.

In this study, a novel photoinitiated seeded reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) dispersion polymerization is developed for the preparation of epoxy-functionalized triblock copolymer nano-objects at room temperature. Epoxy-functionalized worms and vesicles prepared by photoinitiated RAFT dispersion polymerization of glycidyl methacrylate are used as seeds for chain extension by photoinitiated seeded RAFT dispersion polymerization of methacrylic and acrylic monomers. Good control is maintained during the polymerization with a high polymerization rate. Pure triblock copolymer worms can be prepared by the photoinitiated seeded RAFT dispersion polymerization with a broad degree of polymerization range of the third block. The room temperature feature of photoinitiated seeded RAFT dispersion polymerization is critical to ensure the survival of epoxy moiety after the polymerization. The obtained triblock copolymer nano-objects can be cross-linked by reacting with a diamine. Finally, cross-linked worms are used as the stationary phase of chromatography for selective separation of organic dyes from water.