Estimation of Reactivity Ratios in the RAFT Copolymerization of Styrene and Glycidyl Methacrylate

Abstract The bulk reversible addition‐fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) copolymerization of glycidyl methacrylate (GMA) and styrene (S) at several GMA molar feed fractions in the presence of 2‐cyano isopropyl dodecyl trithiocarbonate as RAFT agent and 1,10‐azobis(cyclohexane carbonitrile) as initiator is reported. The reaction conditions are similar to those used in the industrial production of crystal and high‐impact polystyrene by free radical polymerization with the purpose of synthesizing well‐defined copolymers in current industrial processes with only minor changes. Reactivity ratios calculated with linear Kelen–Tüdos, extended Kelen–Tüdos, and nonlinear regression (error in all variables) methods are reported. The results obtained suggest that the RAFT process modifies copolymer composition development. Increased preference for the monomer with the higher reactivity ratio is observed.