Synthesis and characterization of core cross-linked star clusters by conventional free-radical polymerization

Abstract

Core cross-linked star (CCS) clusters consisting of linear poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) segments surrounding multiple, dispersed poly(divinylbenzene) (PDVB) cores have been synthesized by conventional free-radical polymerization via a "core-first" method. This unique macromolecular structure is akin to a cluster of several CCS polymers (a star polymer with a single, densely cross-linked core) that are covalently bonded together by linear core-to-core PMMA segments and retain excellent solubility even at very high molecular weights. This study provides evidence to the proposed "core-first" mechanism and subsequent CCS cluster formation by comparison to linear PMMA and model CCS polymers s..