One-pot synthesis of branched and graft block copolymers

The synthesis of a new series of branched copolymer architectures, including branched block and graft copolymers, is reported. The synthesis utilises a facile one-pot free radical solution polymerization under routine chain transfer controlled polymerization conditions in the presence of a bifunctional branching agent. The materials that are produced are high molecular weight, soluble polymers and the use of polymeric branching agents allows the simple formation of branched block copolymer structures. The careful selection of macromonomers and monomer chemistry produces branched grafted and block/grafted copolymers (which may be hydrophilic, hydrophobic or amphiphilic) with novel solution behaviour.