Atom transfer radical copolymerization of styrene and poly(THF) macromer

The graft copolymer with polytetrahydrofuran (PTHF) as branch chain was prepared by atom transfer radical copolymerization of styrene (St) and PTHF with an end-standing methacrylate (MA-THF). GPC and 1H NMR were used to characterize PTHF macromers and copolymers. The straight line on the profile of the molecular weight versus yield of copolymer was obtained, and the molecular weight distribution is relative narrow, supporting that the copolymerization is controllable. The relative reactivity ratio (1/rSt) of MA-PTHF to St was measured, and is independent of polymerization degree of the macromer. Atom transfer radical polymerizations (ATRP) of PTHF macromer were also investigated.