title: Polymerization of ethylene through reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT).
abstract: The present paper reports the first example of a controlled radical polymerization of ethylene using reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) in the presence of xanthates (Alkyl-OC(=S)S-R) as controlling agents under relative mild conditions (70 °C, <200 bars). The specific reactivity of the produced alkyl-type propagating radicals induces a side fragmentation reaction of the stabilizing O-alkyl Z group of the controlling agents. This fragmentation, rarely observed in RAFT, was proven by NMR analyses. In addition, semicrystalline copolymers of ethylene and vinyl acetate were also prepared with a similar level of control.
authors.affiliation: Université de Lyon, Univ Lyon 1, CPE Lyon, CNRS, UMR 5265, C2P2 (Chemistry, Catalysis, Polymers & Processes), Team LCPP Bat 308F, 43 Bd du 11 Novembre 1918, 69616 Villeurbanne (France).
authors.forename: Cédric
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Dommanget
authors.forename: Franck
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: D'Agosto
authors.forename: Vincent
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Monteil
keywords: RAFT; copolymers; polyethylene; polymerization; vinyl acetate