Controlled radical polymerization as a tool for the preparation of
nanomaterials

Nitroxide-mediated radical polymerization and atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) have been used for the preparation of both block copolymer/metal nanoparticle composites and aqueous stimulus-responsive block copolymer assemblies. Block copolymers with alkyne-functional blocks for the ultimate preparation of cobalt nanoparticles have been prepared with some success by direct nitroxide-mediated polymerization of alkyne-functional monomers. Amphiphilic block copolymers designed to assemble into stimulus-responsive micelles in water have been prepared by ATRP and nitroxide- mediated polymerization from poly(ethylene oxide) macroinitiators. Aspects of the synthesis and characterization of these materials will be discussed, as will recent efforts toward the preparation of new alkoxyamine initiators for nitroxide-mediated living free radical polymerization from nitrosoalkanes.

For more information contact Dr. Marcus Weck (404-385-1796).