ATRP-ARGET of a Styrene Monomer onto Modified Natural Rubber Latex as an Initiator

Atom transfer radical polymerization with an activator regenerated by electron transfer (ATRP-ARGET) was performed for graft copolymerization of styrene onto natural rubber in the latex stage as a heterogeneous system. Deproteinized and subsequently brominated natural rubber particles in the latex stage were subjected to graft copolymerization of styrene on their surfaces in the presence of an activated ATRP catalyst. 1H NMR spectroscopy and size exclusion chromatography (SEC) characterized the particles. Ozonolysis was performed to deduct the polyisoprene contribution to SEC. Graft copolymerization in heterogeneous media by extraction with an acetone/2-butanone solution. Both the linear evolution of the molecular weight versus monomer conversion and the high grafting efficiency associated with a narrow molecular weight distribution of the resulting grafted polystyrene confirm a living radical behavior.