Abstract:

Immobilized ligand was synthesized via the Michael addition reaction between methyl acrylate(MA) and triethylenetetramine(TETA) on the surfaces of nanosilica organic/inorganic hybrid particles. The resulting immobilized ligand was utilized for the atom transfer radical polymerization(ATRP) of methyl methacrylate(MMA). Kinetic curves show the linear dependence of ln [c(M₀)/c(M_t)] on time, and the molecular mass of poly(methyl methacrylate) increases linearly with monomer conversion. Compared with traditional ATRP processes, the immobilized catalyst could be easily separated and collected from final product by centrifugation. The activity of reclaimed catalyst could be retained and the catalyst can be reused for the ATRP of MMA with controllable polymerization reaction.

Key words: atom transfer radical polymerization, immobilized ligands, nano silica, Michael addition, methyl methacrylate