From the synthesis of functional RAFT agents to the design of functional latex particles

RAFT polymerization can produce under controlled conditions polymer chains incorporating well-defined chain ends. By designing a simple way of producing functional RAFT agents, a variety of ${\Box}-end$ groups was successfully introduced onto hydrophilic polymer chains. The ${\Box}-end$ group being a thiocarbonyl thio function was used as efficient chain transfer agent in dispersion or emulsion polymerization to produce original functional latex particles.