Microwave-assisted synthesis of block copolymer nanoparticles via RAFT with polymerization-induced self-assembly in methanol

Abstract

A comparative study of microwave-assisted (MA) and conductive heating in RAFT dispersion polymerization formulations in MeOH that result in polymerization-induced self-assembly is detailed. A beneficial kinetic effect is seen in MA formulations, especially in lower concentration systems, with benzyl- and 2-phenylethyl methacrylate comonomers and poly[oligo(ethylene glycol) methyl ether methacrylate] macro-CTAs.