Preparation of thermally labile PMMA particles by combined non-aqueous dispersion polymerization and polymer chain transfer

We report the controlled synthesis of micrometre-sized thermally labile PMMA particles. This was achieved by a combination of dispersion polymerization and chain transfer techniques. The dispersion polymerization allows for the synthesis of spherical micrometre-size particles of PMMA, whereas the use of cobalt chain transfer agents results in vinylidene end-functionalized PMMA. Furthermore, the vinylic end-groups facilitate thermal depolymerization and this consequently limits the thermal stability. We anticipate that these PMMA particles could further serve as useful modifiers to generate porous polymers, including siloxane elastomers. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.