Additive Effect of Graphene and Lignin‐Derived Graphene on Radical Polymerization Behaviors of Methacrylate Monomers

Radical polymerizations of methyl methacrylate (MMA) using graphene or lignin‐derived graphene as additives give the corresponding poly(MMA)s of which much wider molecular weight distribution (MWD) than that of the poly(MMA) without additives. The MWD of the resulting poly(MMA) using graphene is wider compared to that using lignin‐derived graphene, suggesting that the structural differences between the two graphene compounds affect radical polymerization behavior. Furthermore, the radical polymerizations of methacrylate monomers with different substituents using the two graphene compounds are performed, leading to the additive effect of the two graphene compounds which is relevant to the steric hindrance of the monomer. Radical polymerization of methyl methacrylate in the presence of graphene or lignin‐derived graphene results in polymethacrylates with a wider molecular weight distribution than that without additives. The additive effect of graphene compounds depends on the steric hindrance of monomer. This study highlights graphene compounds as templates for creating polymers with a wide molecular weight distribution.