An investigation into the mechanistic behaviour of RAFT-mediated miniemulsion polymerizations.
Date
2005-12
Authors
Hermant, Marie-Claire
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Stellenbosch : University of Stellenbosch
Abstract
Polymerization using the reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) process affords a
researcher control over the molecular weight and polydispersity of the final polymer. Research is
being carried out globally, using heterogeneous RAFT systems, as these systems offer superior
industrial possibilities. Many emulsion systems fail when incorporating RAFT agents due to phase
separation and colloidal instability. Exchanging conventional emulsion polymerizations with
predispersed polymerization systems (i.e. miniemulsions) has shown many improvements. Evidence
of uncontrolled aqueous phase polymerization (i.e. not mediated by the RAFT process) has however
been found. This behaviour is similar to polymerization in a conventional emulsion polymerization
system, but is not expected in miniemulsion polymerization.
Description
Thesis (MSc (Chemistry and Polymer Science))--University of Stellenbosch, 2005.
Keywords
Dissertations -- Polymer science, Theses -- Polymer science, Addition polymerization, Polymerization, Miniemulsion, RAFT