Jian Zhu

Name: 朱健; Zhu, Jian

Organization: Soochow University , China

Department: Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Advanced Functional Polymer Design and Application, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Materials Science

Title: Professor(PhD)

TOPICS

Material Chemistry

Polymer

Atom Transfer Radical Polymerization Radical Polymerization RAFT Block Copolymer

Chemicals
References

Chlorophyll a crude extract: efficient photo-degradable photocatalyst for PET-RAFT polymerization

Co-reporter:Chenyu Wu;Sivaprakash Shanmugam;Jiangtao Xu;Cyrille Boyer

Chemical Communications 2017 vol. 53(Issue 93) pp:12560-12563

Publication Date(Web):2017/11/21

DOI:10.1039/C7CC07663K

We investigated the use of crude chlorophyll extracts to catalyze photoinduced electron/energy transfer-reversible addition–fragmentation chain transfer (PET-RAFT) polymerization under red light irradiation. We discovered that Chl a degrades under visible light in the presence of air, which can eliminate the need for catalyst removal after polymerization.

Temperature programed photo-induced RAFT polymerization of stereo-block copolymers of poly(vinyl acetate)

Co-reporter:Na Li;Dongdong Ding;Xiangqiang Pan;Zhengbiao Zhang;Cyrille Boyer;Xiulin Zhu

Polymer Chemistry (2010-Present) 2017 vol. 8(Issue 39) pp:6024-6027

Publication Date(Web):2017/10/10

DOI:10.1039/C7PY01531C

Photo-induced RAFT polymerization provides the opportunity for carrying out radical polymerization over a broad temperature range under mild conditions. Combining this technique with a fluoroalcohol as a solvent, stereo-triblock copolymers of poly(vinyl acetate) with controlled molecular weights were successfully obtained in defined temperature regimes.

A degradable cross-linked polymer containing dynamic covalent selenide bond

Co-reporter:Weihong Lu;Xiangqiang Pan;Zhengbiao Zhang;Nianchen Zhou;Xiulin Zhu

Polymer Chemistry (2010-Present) 2017 vol. 8(Issue 26) pp:3874-3880

Publication Date(Web):2017/07/04

DOI:10.1039/C7PY00719A

A new method for preparing a degradable cross-linked polymer containing dynamic selenide was demonstrated. 1,2-Bis(2,3,5,6-tetrafluoro-4-vinylphenyl)diselane (FVPDSe) was synthesized and used as a photoinitiator, mediator and dynamic covalent cross-linker to prepare cross-linked polymers via reversible-deactivation radical polymerization with vinyl monomers such as styrene, methyl acrylate, n-butyl acrylate, 2-hydroxyethyl acrylate and methyl methacrylate. After oxidation by hydrogen peroxide, the structure of the cross-linked polymer obtained from the copolymerization of FVPDSe with styrene was carefully analyzed using 1H, 13C, 19F, and 77Se NMR and SEC. In addition, the “livingness” of the obtained cross-linked polymers was also investigated.

Correction: Selenium borohydride reaction as a versatile platform for the straightforward preparation of selenide-containing topological polymers

Co-reporter:Chunlai Ding;Caiwei Fan;Xiangqiang Pan;Zhengbiao Zhang;Xiulin Zhu

Polymer Chemistry (2010-Present) 2017 vol. 8(Issue 25) pp:3848-3848

Publication Date(Web):2017/06/27

DOI:10.1039/C7PY90093G

Correction for ‘Selenium borohydride reaction as a versatile platform for the straightforward preparation of selenide-containing topological polymers’ by Chunlai Ding et al., Polym. Chem., 2017, DOI: 10.1039/c7py00676d.

Toward alternating copolymerization of maleimide and vinyl acetate driven by hydrogen bonding

Co-reporter:Yanyan Zhou;Qingqing Liu;Zhengbiao Zhang;Xiulin Zhu

Polymer Chemistry (2010-Present) 2017 vol. 8(Issue 44) pp:6909-6916

Publication Date(Web):2017/11/14

DOI:10.1039/C7PY01399J

Herein, we report the solution copolymerization of N-propylmaleimide (MI) and vinyl acetate (VAc) in 1,1,1,3,3,3-hexafluoro-2-propanol (HFIP) and 1,4-dioxane. The polymerization was carried out with a living radical method using 2-(ethoxycarbonothioyl) sulfanyl propanoate (EXEP) as the mediator. The copolymerization behaviour of this monomer pair was investigated in detail with different feeding ratios and at different temperatures. The reactivity ratio for such monomer pair in different conditions was determined. The structures of the copolymers were characterized by NMR and by MALDI-TOF mass spectra. The hydrogen-bonding interaction between MI and VAc with HFIP was simulated by the computational approach of quantum chemistry. This revealed that fluoroalcohols were quite effective in affording the copolymers with controlled molecular weights and adjustable VAc contents compared with the normal solvent 1,4-dioxane, due to the hydrogen-bonding interaction. The thermal properties of the obtained copolymers with different compositions were characterized.

Aromatic diselenide crosslinkers to enhance the reprocessability and self-healing of polyurethane thermosets

Co-reporter:Xiaowei An;Robert H. Aguirresarobe;Lourdes Irusta;Fernando Ruipérez;Jon M. Matxain;Xiangqiang Pan;Nora Aramburu;David Mecerreyes;Haritz Sardon

Polymer Chemistry (2010-Present) 2017 vol. 8(Issue 23) pp:3641-3646

Publication Date(Web):2017/06/13

DOI:10.1039/C7PY00448F

Dynamic structures containing polymers are considered a new class of polymeric materials with very attractive properties, since they can behave as thermosets at room temperature but at the same time they can be reprocessed to any shape. Recently, aromatic disulfides have been explored as dynamic bonds because of their good exchange reaction rate at low temperatures. In this work, we explore the utilization of aromatic diselenides on the basis of their lower bond energies in comparison with their disulfide counterparts. By comparing a model exchange reaction between aromatic diselenides and aromatic disulfides, the ability of aromatic diselenides to exchange faster than aromatic disulfides has been demonstrated. These results are supported by molecular quantum chemical calculations, confirming the faster exchange of aromatic diselenides in comparison with disulfides. In addition, a [2 + 1] radical-mediated reaction mechanism is proposed for aromatic diselenides to understand their faster kinetic exchange. An aromatic diselenide has been incorporated into polyurethane networks using a para-substituted amine diphenyl-diselenide. The resulting materials not only exhibit faster self-healing properties than the corresponding disulfide based materials, but also show the ability to be processed at temperatures as low as 100 °C. The fact that aromatic amines are already used as crosslinkers in a wide range of commercial products makes this system very attractive.

Selenium borohydride reaction as a versatile platform for the straightforward preparation of selenide-containing topological polymers

Co-reporter:Chunlai Ding;Caiwei Fan;Xiangqiang Pan;Zhengbiao Zhang;Xiulin Zhu

Polymer Chemistry (2010-Present) 2017 vol. 8(Issue 27) pp:3958-3964

Publication Date(Web):2017/07/11

DOI:10.1039/C7PY00676D

A method for preparing selenide-containing polymers with desired topologies is established based on the reaction of a selenide-functionalized exchange resin with end-functionalized polymers that shows advantages such as wide structural feasibility, mild conditions, high efficiency and good recyclability. Polymers prepared through reversible-deactivation radical polymerization, e.g., atom-transfer radical polymerization and reversible addition–fragmentation chain transfer polymerization, could be used as precursors, enabling the production of polymers with diverse tailor-made architectures. Different types of polymer precursors, such as poly(styrene), poly(acrylate), poly(vinyl acetate) and poly(N-vinyl-2-pyrrolidone) were successfully used to efficiently prepare well-defined selenide-containing polymers, which verified the versatility of the current method. Furthermore, selenide-containing polymers with complex topologies, such as cyclic and fused-cyclic, were also conveniently fabricated using polymer precursors with specific architectures, such as mono-, di- or tetratelechelic polymers.

A degradable copolymer of 2-methylene-1,3-dioxepane and vinyl acetate by photo-induced cobalt-mediated radical polymerization

Co-reporter:Dongdong Ding, Xiangqiang Pan, Zhengbiao Zhang, Na Li, Jian Zhu and Xiulin Zhu

Polymer Chemistry 2016 vol. 7(Issue 33) pp:5258-5264

Publication Date(Web):26 Jul 2016

DOI:10.1039/C6PY01061J

A degradable copolymer of 2-methylene-1,3-dioxepane (MDO) and vinyl acetate (VAc) was synthesized through photo-induced cobalt-mediated radical polymerization under UV irradiation (450 μW cm−2 at 365 nm) at 30 °C by using (2,4,6-trimethylbenzoyl)diphenylphosphine oxide as an initiator and Co(acac)2 as a regulating agent. Living polymerization behavior was proved via pseudo linear kinetics, the molecular weight of the copolymers increasing with conversion, narrow molecular weight distribution of copolymers and successful chain extension. The structure of the copolymer was characterized by NMR and MALDI-TOF MS. The reactivity ratios for MDO and VAc were determined to be rMDO = 0.14 and rVAc = 1.89. It was possible to vary the content of MDO in a wide range of copolymers by changing the feed ratio of VAc and MDO. The glass transition temperature increased gradually with increasing the amount of VAc. Such copolymers were easily degraded no matter in acidic or alkaline solution.

Diselenide mediated controlled radical polymerization under visible light irradiation: mechanism investigation and α,ω-ditelechelic polymers

Co-reporter:Chunlai Ding, Caiwei Fan, Ganquan Jiang, Jiandong Zhang, Xiaohong Li, Na Li, Xiangqiang Pan, Zhengbiao Zhang, Wei Zhang, Jian Zhu and Xiulin Zhu

Polymer Chemistry 2015 vol. 6(Issue 35) pp:6416-6423

Publication Date(Web):24 Jul 2015

DOI:10.1039/C5PY00803D

The radical polymerization of styrene was investigated in the presence of five diaryl diselenide compounds with different substitution groups on the benzene ring under visible light irradiation. It showed that bis(2,6-dimethylphenyl) diselenide (DmXDS) with two methyl groups on every benzene ring was the most efficient mediator for preparing polymers with a predetermined molecular weight and narrow molecular weight distribution. The reasons were analyzed through a quantum calculation method. The polymerization behavior of styrene in the presence of DmXDS was further investigated in depth. The results showed a typical living radical polymerization process. Polymers retaining the selenide structures at both the α- and ω-ends were verified by NMR and MALDI-TOF. Such end capped selenide groups could be transformed into terminal vinyl groups with a high efficiency under oxidative conditions, which offers a route to prepare “macromonomers” with a narrow molecular weight distribution.

Photocatalyst-Free and Blue Light-Induced RAFT Polymerization of Vinyl Acetate at Ambient Temperature

Co-reporter:Chunlai Ding;Caiwei Fan;Ganquan Jiang;Xiangqiang Pan;Zhengbiao Zhang;Xiulin Zhu

Macromolecular Rapid Communications 2015 Volume 36( Issue 24) pp:2181-2185

Publication Date(Web):

DOI:10.1002/marc.201500427

A Straightforward Method for Preparing Well-Defined Responsive Diselenide-Containing Polymers Based on ATRP

Co-reporter:Caiwei Fan;Chunlai Ding;Xiangqiang Pan;Zhengbiao Zhang;Xiulin Zhu

Macromolecular Rapid Communications 2015 Volume 36( Issue 10) pp:903-908

Publication Date(Web):

DOI:10.1002/marc.201500034

A Novel Janus Initiator for ATRP: Initiator Design and Application in Polymerization

Co-reporter:Ying Wu;Wei Zhang;Na Li;Zhengbiao Zhang;Xiangqiang Pan;Zhenping Cheng ;Xiulin Zhu

Macromolecular Chemistry and Physics 2015 Volume 216( Issue 15) pp:1653-1659

Publication Date(Web):

DOI:10.1002/macp.201500166

Initiator-chain transfer agent combo in the RAFT polymerization of styrene

Co-reporter:Ying Wu, Wei Zhang, Zhengbiao Zhang, Xiangqiang Pan, Zhenping Cheng, Jian Zhu and Xiulin Zhu

Chemical Communications 2014 vol. 50(Issue 68) pp:9722-9724

Publication Date(Web):01 Jul 2014

DOI:10.1039/C4CC03699A

The combo agent with roles of initiator and chain transfer agent was demonstrated in RAFT polymerization of styrene. Polymers with defined structures at both α and ω ends were obtained, which was verified by the successful synthesis of seven-block segments of PS and PMA by sequential addition of monomers in one pot.

Dimanganese decacarbonyl/2-cyanoprop-2-yl-1-dithionaphthalate: toward sunlight induced RAFT polymerization of MMA

Co-reporter:Xuelang Miao, Jiajia Li, Zhengbiao Zhang, Zhenping Cheng, Wei Zhang, Jian Zhu and Xiulin Zhu

Polymer Chemistry 2014 vol. 5(Issue 16) pp:4641-4648

Publication Date(Web):23 Apr 2014

DOI:10.1039/C4PY00509K

Methyl methacrylate was polymerized in the presence of dimanganese decacarbonyl [Mn2(CO)10]/2-cyanoprop-2-yl-1-dithionaphthalate (CPDN) via a photo-induced controlled radical polymerization under visible (green LED with λmax of 565 nm) or sunlight irradiation at a moderate temperature. The manganese carbonyl [Mn2(CO)10] served as the light absorbing component, whereas 2-cyanoprop-2-yl-1-dithionaphthalate (CPDN) served as pseudo-alkyl halide initiator and mediating agent. The polymerization showed the characteristic behaviour of a living polymerization such as linear kinetics; the molecular weight of the polymers linearly increased with monomer conversion, and the obtained polymers showed a narrow molecular weight distribution under appropriate conditions. The obtained polymers exhibited high degree of chain end functionality, which could be used for further chain extensions, either through a traditional thermally initiated RAFT polymerization or through a light-irradiated LRP in the presence of [Mn2(CO)10]. The possibility of stopping and restarting the polymerization process was realized simply by turning off or on the LED light.

Photo-induced cobalt-mediated radical polymerization of vinyl acetate

Co-reporter:Xuelang Miao, Wei Zhu, Zhengbiao Zhang, Wei Zhang, Xiulin Zhu and Jian Zhu

Polymer Chemistry 2014 vol. 5(Issue 2) pp:551-557

Publication Date(Web):28 Aug 2013

DOI:10.1039/C3PY00913K

Well-controlled poly(vinyl acetate) (PVAc) was successfully synthesized by photo-induced cobalt-mediated radical polymerization using (2,4,6-trimethylbenzoyl) diphenylphosphine oxide (TPO), which is commercially available, cheap, easy to store and has a high initiation efficiency, as the initiator in the presence of Co(acac)2 under UV irradiation (65 μW cm−2 at 365 nm) at 30 °C. The polymerization showed characteristics of living polymerization behaviors, such as linear kinetics, the molecular weight of the polymers linearly increasing with conversion, and the obtained polymers had a narrow molecular weight distribution. The polymerization can reach high conversions with a controlled manner (>80%, polymers with a molecular weight distribution in the range of 1.1–1.4) after a short induction time. Polymers with molecular weights as high as 120000 g mol−1, with a narrow molecular weight distribution, were obtained. The mechanism of the polymerization was proposed based on the polymerization behavior and polymer structure.

Branched polystyrene with high reflex index synthesized from selenium-mediated polymerization

Co-reporter:Jinjie Lu;Nianchen Zhou;Xiangqiang Pan;Xiulin Zhu

Journal of Polymer Science Part A: Polymer Chemistry 2014 Volume 52( Issue 4) pp:504-510

Publication Date(Web):

DOI:10.1002/pola.27023

ABSTRACT

In this article, the polymerization behavior has been investigated utilizing phenyl(4-vinylbenzyl)selane (PVBS) as an inimer under ultraviolet irradiation. Corresponding copolymers and homopolymers were synthesized by copolymerization PVBS with styrene and homopolymerization itself. The branching factors (g′) of these branched polymers were characterized along with the polymerization conditions. Moreover, the results showed that the obtained polymers' refractive index (RI) can be enhanced by the introducing of selenium element. The results also indicated that the RI of obtained polymers could be adjusted extendedly by changing selenium content in them. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2014, 52, 504–510

Organoselenium compounds: development of a universal “living” free radical polymerization mediator

Co-reporter:Jindong Zeng, Jian Zhu, Xiangqiang Pan, Zhengbiao Zhang, Nianchen Zhou, Zhenping Cheng, Wei Zhang and Xiulin Zhu

Polymer Chemistry 2013 vol. 4(Issue 12) pp:3453-3457

Publication Date(Web):19 Apr 2013

DOI:10.1039/C3PY00285C

A new versatile mediator for conducting “living” radical polymerization was developed based on diselenocarbonyl compounds. After the optimization of substitution groups, a “universal” diselenocarbonyl compound (O4) was developed and successfully applied to the controlled polymerization of both conjugated and unconjugated vinyl monomers, and the desired polymers with predetermined molecular weights and narrow molecular weight distributions were obtained in excellent yields. The characteristic feature of this method is exemplified by the synthesis of block copolymers composed of conjugated and unconjugated monomers, which would be of great importance as functional smart organic nanomaterials. Furthermore, the existence of organoselenium groups in the final polymers would be especially valuable for bio-related applications.

Selenium-substituted carbonates as mediators for controlled radical polymerization

Co-reporter:Jindong Zeng;Zhengbiao Zhang;Nianchen Zhou;Zhenping Cheng ;Xiulin Zhu

Journal of Polymer Science Part A: Polymer Chemistry 2013 Volume 51( Issue 12) pp:2606-2613

Publication Date(Web):

DOI:10.1002/pola.26648

ABSTRACT

A series of selenium-substituted carbonates, S,Se-dibenzyl dithioselenocarbonate (DTSC), S,Se-dibenzyl thiodiselenocarbonate (TDSC), and Se,Se-dibenzyl triselenocarbonate (TSC), were synthesized and used as mediators in radical polymerization. The results indicate that these selenium-substituted carbonates can control the polymerization of styrene (St) and methyl acrylate, as evidenced by the number-average molecular weight that increased linearly with the monomer conversion, molecular weights that agreed well with the predicted values, and successful chain extensions. The treatment of the resultant polystyrene by hydrogen peroxide generated polymers with approximately half-reduced molecular weights, and the absence of carbonate groups and vinyl double bond-terminated chain ends. The polymerization with these selenium-substituted carbonates was the same polymerization mechanism as their analogue, the widely used S,S-dibenzyl trithiocarbonate. This work provided a flexible protocol to incorporate selenium into the polymer chain backbone. Specifically, the treatment of these polymers by oxidation produced “clickable” vinyl-terminated chain ends, which provided possibilities for further functionalization, for example, via a thiol-ene click reaction. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2013, 51, 2606–2613

Fast and effective copper(0)-mediated simultaneous chain- and step-growth radical polymerization at ambient temperature

Co-reporter:Xiaomin Zhang;Heqin Dou;Zhengbiao Zhang;Wei Zhang;Xiulin Zhu

Journal of Polymer Science Part A: Polymer Chemistry 2013 Volume 51( Issue 18) pp:3907-3916

Publication Date(Web):

DOI:10.1002/pola.26792

ABSTRACT

Vinyl-conjugated monomer (methyl acrylate, MA) and allyl 2-bromopropanoate (ABP)-possessing unconjugated CC and active CBr bonds were polymerized via the Cu(0)-mediated simultaneous chain- and step-growth radical polymerization at ambient temperature using Cu(0) as catalyst, N,N,N′,N″,N″-pentamethyldiethylenetriamine as ligand and dimethyl sulfoxide as solvent. The conversion was reached higher than 98% within 20 h. The obtained polymers showed block structure consisting of polyester and vinyl polymer moieties. The Cu(0)-catalyzed simultaneous chain- and step-growth radical polymerization mechanism was demonstrated by NMR, matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight, and GPC analyses. Furthermore, the obtained copolymers of MA and ABP were further modified with poly(N-isopropylamide) through radical thiol-ene “click” chemistry from the terminal double bond. The thermoresponsive behavior of this block copolymer was investigated. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2013, 51, 3907–3916

Seleno-containing poly(vinyl acetate) prepared by diselenocarbonates-mediated controlled free radical polymerizations

Co-reporter:Fei Ma;Zhengbiao Zhang;Xiangqiang Pan;Nianchen Zhou ;Xiulin Zhu

Journal of Polymer Science Part A: Polymer Chemistry 2013 Volume 51( Issue 15) pp:3159-3165

Publication Date(Web):

DOI:10.1002/pola.26701

ABSTRACT

The living free radical polymerizations of vinyl acetate (VAc) were successfully achieved in the presence of a novel organic selenium compound (diselenocarbonates), with 2,2′-azobisisobutyronitrile (AIBN) as the initiator. The living characteristics of the VAc polymerization were confirmed by the linear first-order kinetic plots and linear increase of molecular weights (M_n) of the polymers with monomer conversions, while keeping the relatively low molecular weight distributions. In addition, the end of the polymers contains selenium element which may be useful in biotechnological and biomedical applications. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2013, 51, 3159–3165

Synthesis of comb-like block copolymer with poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) backbone and poly(vinyl acetate) or poly(N-vinyl-2-pyrrolidone) side chains by reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer polymerization

Co-reporter:Heqin Dou;Xiaomin Zhang;Wei Shen;Zhengbiao Zhang ;Xiulin Zhu

Journal of Polymer Science Part A: Polymer Chemistry 2013 Volume 51( Issue 10) pp:2125-2130

Publication Date(Web):

DOI:10.1002/pola.26613

Polymer-Grafted Modification of Activated Carbon by Surface-Initiated AGET ATRP

Co-reporter:Yahan Liu;Xuelang Miao;Zhengbiao Zhang;Zhenping Cheng ;Xiulin Zhu

Macromolecular Chemistry and Physics 2012 Volume 213( Issue 8) pp:868-877

Publication Date(Web):

DOI:10.1002/macp.201100668

Abstract

We demonstrate surface-initiated activators generated by electron transfer atom-transfer radical polymerization (SI-AGET ATRP) of methyl methacrylate (MMA) and tert-butyl acrylate (t-BA) on activated carbon (AC), and polyacrylic acid (PAA) graft AC (AC@PAA) is obtained after hydrolysis of poly(tert-butyl acrylate) [P(t-BA)]. Interestingly, the sorption capabilities of the copper ions by AC@PAA are larger than AC and can be adjusted by varying chain lengths of grafted PAA, giving these materials potential application in wastewater treatment. The linear polymerization kinetics, linear evolution of the molecular weight of the cleaved polymer and monomer conversion all demonstrate a well-controlled polymerization.

New selenium-based iniferter agent for living free radical polymerization of styrene under UV irradiation

Co-reporter:Jindong Zeng;Zhengbiao Zhang;Xiangqiang Pan;Wei Zhang;Zhenping Cheng ;Xiulin Zhu

Journal of Polymer Science Part A: Polymer Chemistry 2012 Volume 50( Issue 11) pp:2211-2218

Publication Date(Web):

DOI:10.1002/pola.25994

Abstract

P,P-Diphenyl phosphinodiselenoic acid benzyl ester was synthesized and used as a mediator for the polymerization of styrene under UV–vis irradiation. Moderately controlled evidence was found: linear polymerization kinetics, linear evolution of molecular weight with monomer conversion, and relatively narrow molecular weight distribution (1.5–2.0). The structure of the obtained polymers was characterized using NMR and oxidative eliminaton. Based on polymerization results, an iniferter mechanism was proposed for the current polymerization system. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2012

Synthesis and characters of hyperbranched poly(vinyl acetate) by RAFT polymeraztion

Co-reporter:Xiaobo Zhou, Jian Zhu, Minying Xing, Zhengbiao Zhang, Zhenping Cheng, Nianchen Zhou, Xiulin Zhu

European Polymer Journal 2011 Volume 47(Issue 10) pp:1912-1922

Publication Date(Web):October 2011

DOI:10.1016/j.eurpolymj.2011.07.002

Reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization of VAc in the presence of ECTVA, which capable of both reversible chain transferable through a xanthate moiety and propagation via a vinyl group, led to highly branched copolymers by a method analogous to self-condensing vinyl polymerization (SCVP). The ECTVA acted as a vinyl acetate AB∗ inimer. It was copolymerized with vinyl acetate (VAc) in ratios selected to tune the distribution and length of branches of resulting hyperbranched poly(vinyl acetate). The degree of branching increased with chain ECTVA concentration, as confirmed by NMR spectroscopy. The polymer structure was characterized via MALDI–TOF. Retention of the xanthate compound during the polymerization was evidenced by successful chain extension of a branched (PVAc) macroCTA by RAFT polymerization. The branched PVAc led to better dissolution as compared to linear PVAc, an effect attributed primarily to an increased contribution of end groups.Graphical abstractHighlights► We synthesized hyperbranched poly(vinyl acetate) with controlled structures. ► Hyperbranched poly(vinyl acetate) was synthesized via MADIX. ► Detailed MALDI–TOF was used to character the structure of hyperbranched PVAc.

Fluorescence behavior of an azobenzene-containing amphiphilic diblock copolymer

Co-reporter:Yi Xiang, Xiaoqiang Xue, Jian Zhu, Zhengbiao Zhang, Wei Zhang, Nianchen Zhou and Xiulin Zhu

Polymer Chemistry 2010 vol. 1(Issue 9) pp:1453-1458

Publication Date(Web):11 Aug 2010

DOI:10.1039/C0PY00147C

The amphiphilic azobenzene block copolymer, poly(6-(4-phenylazophenoxy)hexylmethacrylate-b-poly((2-dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate)) (P(PHMA)-b-P(PEGMA)) was synthesized by reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization technique. The results showed that the polymerization was carried out in a controlled manner. The obtained amphiphilic block copolymer showed strong fluorescence emission in mixed water/tetrahydrofuran (THF) solution. The intensity of fluorescence emission was slightly changed after the solution was irradiated by UV-vis light. Further investigation showed that the copolymer emitted strong fluorescence in THF after UV-vis irradiation. The polymer solution was characterized by DLS and TEM. The results showed that the change of fluorescence emission behavior of the amphiphilic block copolymer both in water–THF and THF solution was caused by the formation and size change of aggregates originating from the photo-isomerization of azobenzene chromophore.

Selenide-containing high refractive index polymer material with adjustable refractive index and Abbe's number

Co-reporter:Huinan Jiang, Xiangqiang Pan, Na Li, Zhengbiao Zhang, Jian Zhu, Xiulin Zhu

Reactive and Functional Polymers (February 2017) Volume 111() pp:1-6

Publication Date(Web):February 2017

DOI:10.1016/j.reactfunctpolym.2016.12.007

Photo-induced reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization of acrylonitrile at ambient temperature: A simple system to obtain high-molecular-weight polyacrylonitrile

Co-reporter:Jiajia Li, Chunlai Ding, Zhengbiao Zhang, Jian Zhu, Xiulin Zhu

Reactive and Functional Polymers (April 2017) Volume 113() pp:

Publication Date(Web):April 2017

DOI:10.1016/j.reactfunctpolym.2017.02.003

Photo-induced reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization of acrylonitrile was performed in a two-component system using 2-cyano-2-propyl dodecyl trithiocarbonate as the initiation-regulator dual-functional agent. The polymerization was carried out under mild conditions, e.g. under irradiation of blue light-emitting diode light at ambient temperature. Well-controlled polymers with high molecular weight and narrow molecular weight distribution were obtained. The light on and off experiments showed photosensitivity of this polymerization system. The structure of the obtained polymers was characterized by GPC and NMR. Polymers with molecular weight as high as Mn = 286,300 g/mol could be obtained in optimized conditions.

Initiator-chain transfer agent combo in the RAFT polymerization of styrene

Co-reporter:Ying Wu, Wei Zhang, Zhengbiao Zhang, Xiangqiang Pan, Zhenping Cheng, Jian Zhu and Xiulin Zhu

Chemical Communications 2014 - vol. 50(Issue 68) pp:NaN9724-9724

Publication Date(Web):2014/07/01

DOI:10.1039/C4CC03699A