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Feature Article
Reducing ATRP Catalyst Concentration in Batch, Semibatch and Continuous Reactors
Article first published online: 5 MAY 2010
DOI: 10.1002/mren.200900086
Copyright © 2010 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim
Issue
Macromolecular Reaction Engineering
Special Issue: New Frontiers in Polymer Engineering
Volume 4, Issue 6-7, pages 369–380, June 25, 2010
Additional Information
How to Cite
Chan, N., Cunningham, M. F. and Hutchinson, R. A. (2010), Reducing ATRP Catalyst Concentration in Batch, Semibatch and Continuous Reactors. Macromolecular Reaction Engineering, 4: 369–380. doi: 10.1002/mren.200900086
Publication History
- Issue published online: 1 JUL 2010
- Article first published online: 5 MAY 2010
- Manuscript Revised: 16 JAN 2010
- Manuscript Received: 19 NOV 2009
- Abstract
- Article
- References
- Cited By
Keywords:
- acrylates;
- ARGET;
- atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP);
- catalysts;
- tubular reactors
Abstract
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.