The effect of RAFT polymerization on the physical properties of thiamphenicol-imprinted polymer

Abstract

The necessity to overcome limitation of conventional free radical polymerization, technology has shifted the way to find an effective method for polymer synthesis, called controlled radical polymerization (CRP). One of the most studied controlled radical system is reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization. The method relies on efficient chain-transfer processes which are mediated typically by thiocarbonyl-containing RAFT agents e.g., dithioesters. The presented study revealed the potential benefit in applying RAFT polymerization towards the synthesis of molecularly imprinted polymer for thiamphenicol. They were synthesized in monolithic form using methacrylic acid, ethylene glycol dimethacrylate, azobisisobutyronitrile and acetonitrile as a functional monomer, cross-linker, initiator and porogen, respectively. The surface morphology was studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), structural characterization by Fourier transformed infrared (FTIR) and pore structures of polymers produced were characterized by nitrogen sorption porosimetry. SEM analysis showed MIPs produced by RAFT have smoother surface while porosity analysis showed the specific surface area was slightly larger compared to conventional polymerization methods. However FTIR showed the same pattern of spectra produced due to the same co-monomers used in the production. The results upon the uses of RAFT polymerization enables the production of imprinted polymers enhanced the physical properties compared to conventional polymerization.