Preparation of core-shell particles by surface-initiated cycloketyl radical mediated living polymerization

A simple and novel synthetic route toward core-shell polymeric particles via surface-initiated cycloketyl radical mediated living polymerization (CMP) is presented. Cross-linked polymaleic anhydride/isoprene particles (CPMIP) prepared by self-stable precipitation polymerization were reacted with 9,9'-bixanthydrol (BIXANDL), which endowed them with potential initiating sites for subsequent CMP of styrene, methyl methacrylate and n-butyl acrylate. Uniform core-shell particles were successfully obtained in all cases and their sizes increased with continuous monomer conversion, demonstrating the versatility and living feature of surface-initiated CMP.