Sequence-controlled multiblock copolymers via RAFT polymerization: modeling and simulations

The synthesis of high-order multiblock copolymers by one-pot sequential monomer addition RAFT polymerization is examined by use of modeling and simulations using PREDICI. The system is the previously experimentally investigated model multiblock homopolymer system comprising 10 blocks of N,N-dimethyl acrylamide with average degree of polymerization 10 for each block. The simulations show that despite 10 chain extensions to full conversion, the number of dead chains at the end of the process is only ≈7%. The number fraction of dead chains is known from the number of chains generated from the initiator, and the conditions can thus be tailored with regards to the livingness required.