Synthesis and characterization of hyperbranched polyacrylates in the presence of a tetrafunctional initiator with higher reactivity than monomer by self-condensing vinyl polymerization

A series of hyperbranched polyacrylates were synthesized by self-condensing vinyl polymerization (SCVP) of 2-[(2-bromobutyryl)oxy]ethyl acrylate (BBEA). A tetrafunctional atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) initiator (THABI) capped with bromoisobutyrate, which has higher reactivity than the initiating site of monomer, was used as core-forming molecules. The structure and properties of the obtained polymers were characterized by NMR and SEC/RALLS/DV/RI. The effect of the tetrafunctional initiator on molecular weight and molecular weight distribution of polymers was studied.