title: Efficient synthesis of sterically-stabilized nano-objects via RAFT dispersion polymerization of benzyl methacrylate in alcoholic media.
abstract: Synthesis of diblock copolymer nano-objects: alcohol is a good idea! RAFT dispersion polymerization of benzyl methacrylate in alcohol using weak polyelectrolyte-based chain transfer agents allows the facile synthesis of sterically stabilized diblock copolymer nano-objects with very high monomer conversions. Such syntheses are usually problematic when conducted in water due to electrostatic repulsion between highly charged stabilizer chains, which impedes in situ self-assembly. Construction of a detailed phase diagram facilitates reproducible syntheses of well-defined diblock copolymer spheres, worms or vesicles, since it allows mixed phase regions to be avoided. Aqueous electrophoresis studies confirm that these nano-objects can acquire substantial surface charge when transferred to aqueous solution due to ionization (or protonation) of the polyacid (or polybase) stabilizer chains.
authors.affiliation: Department of Chemistry, The University of Sheffield, Brook Hill, Sheffield, S3 7HF, UK.
authors.forename: Mona
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Semsarilar
authors.forename: Elizabeth R
authors.initials: ER
authors.lastname: Jones
authors.forename: Adam
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Blanazs
authors.forename: Steven P
authors.initials: SP
authors.lastname: Armes
mesh_terms: D000438:Alcohols / Q000737:chemistry*; D004573:Electrolytes / Q000737:chemistry; D008689:Methacrylates / Q000737:chemistry*; D053758:Nanoparticles / Q000737:chemistry; D036103:Nanotechnology; D011108:Polymers / Q000138:chemical synthesis / Q000737:chemistry; D055672:Static Electricity; D014867:Water / Q000737:chemistry
chemical_list: D000438:Alcohols; D004573:Electrolytes; D008689:Methacrylates; D011108:Polymers; D014867:Water; C512584:benzyl methacrylate