RAFT Polymerization of Epoxidized Fatty Acids

Kumar, Harshit (2022) RAFT Polymerization of Epoxidized Fatty Acids. Masters thesis, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Kolkata.

Text (MS dissertation of Harshit Kumar (17MS037)) 17MS037_Thesis_file.pdf - Submitted Version Restricted to Repository staff only Download (2MB)

Abstract

Polymer science has proliferated from conventional free radical polymerization to controlled polymerization techniques such as atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP), reversible addition−fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization, etc. Over the past two decades, RAFT has grown as a valuable technique for developing complex polymeric architectures. This chapter provides an insight into the kinetic and mechanistic similarity, differences, advantages, and limitations of free radical polymerization and RAFT polymerization. It explains the importance of the RAFT polymerization method for developing controlled polymers with targeted molecular weights which is an essential condition for biomedical applications. The rapid growth in consumption of petrochemical-derived polymers is alarming due to various environmental and health issues aligned with these polymers along with non-sustainability. As an alternative to overcome the problems, bio-renewable resources are the best option seems at this point. In this chapter, RAFT polymerization of epoxides of unsaturated fatty acids is discussed in detail along with the copolymerization with commercially available monomers like methacrylic acid. The monomers are well characterized by 1H and 13C NMR and IR spectroscopy and polymers are characterized by 1H NMR and size exclusion chromatography (SEC). RAFT polymerization technique provides the ability to synthesize the polymer with targeted molecular weight along with low dispersity.

Actions (login required)

View Item