Hybrid polymer particles by tandem ring-opening metathesis and atom transfer radical polymerizations in aqueous miniemulsion

One-pot synthesis of three types of particles obtained through simultaneous ROMP (ring-opening metathesis polymerization) and ATRP (atom transfer radical polymerization) carried out in aqueous dispersed medium was investigated. Polymerizations of NB (norbornene) by ROMP and of MMA (methyl methacrylate) by ATRP could be carried out simultaneously in the presence of purposely designed novel water-soluble ruthenium complexes leading to three types of hybrid particles filled with blends of homopolymers and graft and starlike copolymers. The conversion of both the NB and MMA vs polymerization times was monitored by gas chromatography. The SEC analysis of an aliquot reveals the formation of only one population of polymer chains indicative of the formation of the copolymers. The results confirm very good stability of both the monomer mini-emulsions and particles formed.