Kinetic investigation of the reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer polymerization of 1,3-butadiene

Reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization of 1,3-butadiene using a trithiocarbonate chain transfer agent, S-1-dodecyl-S′-(r,r′-dimethyl-r″-acetic acid)trithiocarbonate (DDMAT), was investigated. For the first time, comprehensive kinetic study of solution RAFT polymerization of 1,3-butadiene is reported. Effect of some factors such as RAFT agent and initiator concentration and initial molar ratio of monomer to both RAFT agent and initiator on the rate of polymerization and molecular weight distribution (MWD) were examined experimentally and discussed quantitatively. The validity of quasi-steady state approximation (QSSA) was shown and the rate of polymerization’s equation was obtained. Good compatibility with the experimental and theoretical values of molecular weights was obtained. Also, polybutadiene samples with narrow molecular weight distribution were synthesized.