Sonochemically Initiated RAFT Polymerization in Organic Solvents

Abstract

Sonochemically initiated RAFT polymerization (sonoRAFT) in organic solvents is presented for the first time. Acoustic cavitation, induced by high-frequency ultrasound (US) (490 kHz), caused pyrolysis of organic solvent molecules providing a source of initiating radicals. In this way, polymers could be prepared without conventional radical initiators (e.g., AIBN) or additives (e.g., piezoelectric nanoparticles). The polymerization of acrylates and acrylamides was well controlled with the prepared polymers displaying good agreement between theoretical and experimental molecular weights with low dispersities. Methacrylates were found to be less controlled. Several factors were found to influenc..