Utility of Atom Transfer Radical Polymerization for the Preparation of Poly(methyl methacrylate) Beads in an Aqueous Suspension

The efficacy of atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) for the preparation of poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) beads in aqueous suspension, was studied. True suspension conditions were established with hexylated triethylenetetramine as a ligand and poly(N-vinyl pyrrolidone) as a suspension stabilizer. PMMA with moderate polydispersity was obtained as spherical beads with polymerization yield of up to 60%. The results show that ATRP can be extended to suspension polymerization by the use of an oil-soluble catalyst and a proper stabilizing agent.