Methacrylate-based polymers for industrial uses

Abstract

Controlling anionic polymerization is one of the key technologies in the synthesis of well-defined polymers such as block copolymers. KURARAY Co. Ltd., has developed a new living polymerization system of (meth)acrylates using compounds consisting of a Lewis base and bulky aluminum (LA system). Observations supported by kinetics studies point to a mechanism consisting of stabilization of enolate anion and aluminum-based coordination of monomers. This LA system can be leveraged not only for (meth)acrylate block copolymers, but also for block copolymers of (meth)acrylate and other anionic polymerization monomers. "KURARITY™"-an acrylic triblock copolymer (ABCP) produced by using this LA system-has unique properties suitable for employment in various applications, such as thermoplastic elastomers, flexible and transparent films, modifiers, and adhesives.