Synthesis of Polymer Networks by “Living” Free Radical Polymerization and End-Linking Processes

The synthesis of polymer networks by controlled free radical polymerization has been investigated in the case of atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP). The synthesis of a difunctional initiator, bis(2-bromopropionyloxy) ethane (BBPE) makes possible the preparation of difunctional polymer precursors that can be used to prepare polymer networks by an end-linking process. The gels thus formed have been characterized by the determination of the fraction of polymer precursors unlinked to the cross-links and by the determination of the swelling equilibrium of the gels in xylene.