| abstract |
The present invention provides novel siloxane iniferter compounds, block copolymers made therewith, and a method of making the block copolymers. The siloxane iniferter compounds can be represented by the formula <IMAGE> wherein T and X are organic groups selected so that the T-X bond is capable of dissociating upon being subjected to an appropriate energy source to form a terminator free radical of the formula T and an initiator free radical. r1, R2, R5 and R6 are monovalent moieties selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C1-4 alkyl, C1-4 alkoxy and aryl which can be the same or are different; R3 and R4 are monovalent moieties which can be the same or different selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C1-4 alkyl, C1-4 fluoroalkyl including at least one fluorine atom and aryl; Y is selected from the group consistign of -X-T and -Z wherein X and T are defined above and Z is an organic moiety that will not dissociate to form free radicals when subjected to said energy source; and m is an integer of at least 10. The initiator free radical is capable of initiating free radical polymerization of free radically polymerizable monomer. The terminator free radical is insufficiently capable of initiating free radical polymerization of free radically polymerizable monomer but is capable of rejoining with the initiator free radical or a free radical polymer segment free radically polymerized with the initiator free radical. |