Synthesis of graft copolymers. II. Synthesis of polystyrene-g-poly(methyl methacrylate)

The thermolysis of labile 1,2-bis(trimethylsilyloxy)tetraphenylethane group s pendant along polystyrene chains in the presence of various vinyl monomer s leads to the direct synthesis of graft copolymers. Depending on the monom er chosen, the polymerization temperature, and the number of active sites b y the macroinitiator molecule, crosslinked or total soluble graft copolymer s can be prepared. Several conditions were studied in order to attain solub le polystyrene-g-poly(methyl methacrylate) copolymers under a controlled po lymerization mechanism. (C) 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.