Macromonomers as polymeric intermediates. Synthesis and applications

Abstract

The methods developed for the synthesis of macromolecular monomers (macromonomers) are reviewed, with emphasis on those based on ionic “living” polymerization techniques which give access to well-defined species of low polydispersity. The ability of the terminal unsaturation to undergo free radical polymerization (or copolymerization with a vinylic or acrylic monomer) is considered next. Homopolymacromonomers are characterized by an unusually large segment density within the polymer coil. The chief interest of macromonomers is the easy access to graft copolymers they can provide, especially for amphiphilic species constituted of a hydrophobic backbone carrying hydrophilic grafts. Further applications of macromonomers can also be envisioned.

Main Lecture at the Berliner Polymeren Tage 1985.