Co(II)-Mediated Catalytic Chain Transfer Polymerization (CCTP) Carried Out Under Flow Reaction Conditions and Introducing a New Method for Online GPC Monitoring

An investigation into thermally induced catalytic chain transfer polymerization (CCTP) using bis-\[(difluoroboryl)-dimethylglyoximato] cobalt-(II) (CoBF) as a chain transfer agent was conducted in three different flow reactors: a cascade of continuous stirred-tank reactors (CSTRs), a simple tubular flow reactor, and a Corning Advanced Flow Reactor (AFR). Systematic variations in monomer type, temperature, and stirring rate were employed to examine their effects on the polymerization process. In the CSTR cascade, higher polymerization rates and conversions were observed without compromising reaction control. Comparative analyses were performed between the flow systems and conventional batch reactions to assess the performance of CoBF under these different conditions. Successful CCTP was achieved in all reactor designs, demonstrating that this chemistry is well-suited to continuous production under various flow conditions. The applicability of the reaction system was further verified by the successful CCTP of glycidyl methacrylate, and reproducibility was confirmed through online continuous GPC measurements.

• Yao, Y
• Yang, X
• Aydoğan, C
• Town, J
• Pointer, W
• Haddleton, D

• Department of Chemistry

• Request a Brochure
• Request more Info
• Request a Quote