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Title: PET-RAFT Increases Uniformity in Polymer Networks
Photoinduced electron/energy transfer (PET)-reversible addition–fragmentation chain transfer polymerization (RAFT) and conventional photoinitiated RAFT were used to synthesize polymer networks. In this study, two different metal catalysts, namely, tris[2-phenylpyridinato-C2,N]iridium(III) (Ir(ppy)3) and zinc tetraphenylporphyrin (ZnTPP), were selected to generate two different catalytic pathways, one with Ir(ppy)3 proceeding through an energy-transfer pathway and one with ZnTPP proceeding through an electron-transfer pathway. These PET-RAFT systems were contrasted against a conventional photoinitated RAFT process. Mechanically robust materials were generated. Using bulk swelling ratios and degradable cross-linkers, the homogeneity of the networks was evaluated. Especially at high primary chain length and cross-link density, the PET-RAFT systems generated more uniform networks than those made by conventional RAFT, with the electron transfer-based ZnTPP giving superior results to those of Ir(ppy)3. The ability to deactivate radicals either by RAFT exchange or reversible coupling in PET RAFT was proposed as the mechanism that gave better control in PET-RAFT systems.  more » « less
Award ID(s):
1749730 1919850 2000391
PAR ID:
10355021
Author(s) / Creator(s):
; ; ; ; ;
Date Published:
Journal Name:
ACS Macro Letters
Volume:
11
ISSN:
2161-1653
Page Range / eLocation ID:
1156 to 1161
Format(s):
Medium: X
Sponsoring Org:
National Science Foundation
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