Atom Transfer Radical Polymerization of Poly(ethylene glycol) Dimethacrylate

Reported is an experimental investigation on the atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) of poly(ethylene glycol) dimethacrylate (PEGDMA) initiated by an alkyl halide. The polymerization behaviors of PEGDMA in ATRP and in a conventional free radical polymerization were compared with respect to polymerization rate and gel formation. The ATRP of PEGDMA proceeded with a low rate and no observable autoacceleration, while benzoyl peroxide …