SYNTHESIS OF BLOCK-COPOLYMERS BY RADICAL POLYMERIZATION OF END-FUNCTIONAL POLYSTYRENE

End-functional polystyrenes with an N,N-diethyldithiocarbamyl group we re prepared by the photopolymerization of styrene with novel diethyldi thiocarbamate derivatives as photoiniferters. Under ultraviolet light, the end-functional polymers could initiate a second monomer to polyme rize and form block copolymers, such as polystyrene-b-poly(methyl meth acrylate), polystyrene-b-poly(vinyl acetate), and polystyrene-b-poly(n -butyl acrylate). According to end group analysis and electron spin re sonance (ESR) spectroscopy, AB-type block copolymers were produced. Th e glass transition temperature and thermal stability of the block copo lymers were investigated by means of thermal analysis. (C) 1997 John W iley & Sons, Inc.