Elucidation of the properties of discrete oligo(meth)acrylates†
Abstract
Discrete (monodisperse) methyl methacrylate (MMA) and di(ethylene glycol) ethyl ether acrylate (DEGEEA) oligomer libraries are generated via a 2-step process of RAFT polymerization and chromatographic separation. Essential thermal and physical properties such as diffusion coefficients, glass transition temperatures and melting points of the discrete oligo(MMA)s (DP 1 to 7) and oligo(DEGEEA)s (DP 1 to 10) are determined, giving insights into fundamental polymer physics in this short chain regime.