Composition and process for enhancing controlled free radical polymerization

Abstract

The present invention relates to a composition and process for enhancing the controlled radical polymerization in the presence of nitroxyls and nitroxylethers by adding a chain transfer agent selected from the group consisting of mercaptanes, thioethers and disulfides to the polymerizable mixture. A further subject of the invention is the use of mercaptanes, thioethers and disulfides for increasing rate and yield of controlled radical polymerizations in the presence of a nitroxyl or a nitroxylether.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a composition and process for enhancing the controlled radical polymerization in the presence of nitroxyls and nitroxylethers by adding a chain transfer agent selected from the group consisting of mercaptanes, thioethers and disulfides to the polymerizable mixture.

[0002] U.S. Pat. No. 4,581,429 to Solomon et al., issued Apr. 8, 1986, discloses a free radical polymerization process which controls the growth of polymer chains to produce short chain or oligomeric homopolymers and copolymers, including block and graft copolymers. This type of polymerization is frequently called “living polymerization”. The process employs an initiator having the formula (in part) R′R″N—O—X, where X is a free radical species capable of polymerizing unsaturated monomers. The reactions typically have low conversion rates. Specifically mentioned radical R′R″N—O. groups are derived from 1,1,3,3 tetraethylisoindoline, 1,1,3,3 tetrapropylisoindoline, 2,2,6,6 tetramethylpiperidine, 2,2,5,5 tetramethyl-pyrrolidine or di-t-butylamine.

[0003] U.S. Pat. No. 5,322,912 to Georges et al. issued Jun. 21, 1994 discloses a polymerization process using a free radical initiator, a polymerizable monomer compound and a stable free radical agent of the basic structure R′R″N—O. for the synthesis of homopolymers and block copolymers.

[0004] EP 0,759,039 to Georges et al. describes the improved polymerization of acrylates using 4-oxo-2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-1-piperidinyloxy free radical as stable free radical agent R′R″N—O..

[0005] However, the suggested compounds do not fulfill all requirements. Particularly the polymerization of acrylates does not proceed fast enough and/or the monomer to polymer conversion is not as high as desired.

[0006] For this reason many attempts have been made in the last years to improve conversion rate whilst retaining the advantages of controlled polymerization such as for example low polydispersity and the capability of block copolymer formation. Many improvements have been made by modifying the chemical structure of the nitroxyl radical or of the nitroxyl ether.

[0007] WO 98/13392 for example describes open chain alkoxyamine compounds which have a symmetrical substitution pattern and are derived from NO gas or from nitroso compounds.

[0008] WO 96/24620 describes a polymerization process in which very specific stable free radical agents are used, such as for example 1

[0009] WO 98/30601 discloses specific nitroxyls based on imidazolidinons.

[0010] WO 98/44008 discloses specific nitroxyls based on morpholinones, piperazinones and piperazindiones.

[0011] Despite the above mentioned structural attempts to improve controlled radical polymerization reactions there is still a need for improving the polymerization process to obtain higher yields in shorter reaction times.

[0012] EP-A-735 052 for example discloses a method for preparing thermoplastic polymers of narrow polydispersitiy by free radical-initated polymerization, which comprises adding a free radical initiator, a stable free radical agent and a pyridinium tosylate to a styrene monomer, which enhances the reaction time and conversion rate of the polymerization.

[0013] Other accelerators such as phosphonic and sulfonic acids are described in WO 96/18663, phosphites are described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,610,249 and protonic acids are described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,322,912.

[0014] Surprisingly it has now been found that the rate of polymerization and conversion can be strongly improved by adding to the polymerizable mixture a chain transfer agent selected from the group consisting of a mercaptane, a thioether or a disulfide. Higher molecular weights are reached in shorter reaction times whilst polydispersity remains low and surprisingly the polymers can be completely reinitiated to form block copolymers. This is surprising, since one would expect that at least partially terminated polymers (not anymore “living” polymers) are formed.

[0015] Moreover when reinitiating a polymer, which has been prepared via controlled radical polymerization in the presence of a nitroxyl radical or a nitroxylether, to form block copolymers also a remarkable increase in rate and conversion of block copolymer formation is observed when said chain transfer agents are added to the block copolymerization step.

[0016] The low polydispersity which is characteristic for controlled radical polymerizations remains essentially unaffected by the addition of said chain transfer agents.

[0017] The polymerization processes and resin products of the present invention are useful in many applications, including a variety of specialty applications, such as for the preparation of block copolymers and/or graft copolymers which are useful as compatibilizing agents for polymer blends or dispersing agents for coating systems.

[0018] Polymers prepared by nitroxyl radical or nitroxyl ether mediated radical polymerization exhibit sometimes a yellow/brown color. Surprisingly it has been found that the presence of the chain transfer agent in the polymerizable composition is in many cases also beneficial for the color of the final polymer.

[0019] One subject of the present invention is a polymerizable composition, comprising

[0020] a) at least one ethylenically unsaturated monomer or oligomer, and

[0021] b1) at least one nitroxylether having the structural element 2

[0022] wherein

[0023] X represents a group having at least one carbon atom and is such that the free radical X. derived from X is capable of initiating polymerization of ethylenically unsaturated monomers; or

[0024] b2) at least one stable free nitroxyl radical 3

[0025] and a free radical initiator and

[0026] c) a chain transfer agent selected from the group consisting of a mercaptane, a thioether and a disulfide, with the proviso, that, if a stable free nitroxyl radical is present, the chain transfer ag nt is not a disulfide.

[0027] Also subject of the invention is a polymerizable composition, comprising

[0028] a) a macroinitiator, which is a oligomer or polymer prepared in the presence of a nitroxyl radical or a nitroxylether and having attached to the oligomer/polymer backbone a nitroxyl group with the structural element 4

[0029] b) an ethylenically unsaturated monomer or oligomer and

[0030] c) a chain transfer agent selected from the group consisting of a mercaptane, a thioether and a disulfide.

[0031] The macroinitiator can be prepared by polymerizing a monomer in the presence of a nitroxyl or nitroxylether or by grafting of an existing conventionally polymerized polymer with a nitroxylether or a nitroxyl radical, as described in EP-A-1 115 766 or EP-A-1 115 765.

[0032] An ethylenically unsaturated oligomer is for example a poloyethylenglykoldiacrylate or in general a oligomer which has been functionalized at the end groups. Such oligomers are known and largely items of commerce.

[0033] Preferably the ethylenically unsaturated monomer is selected from the group consisting of ethylene, propylene, n-butylene, i-butylene, styrene, substituted styrene, conjugated dienes, acrolein, vinyl acetate, vinylpyrrolidone, vinylimidazole, maleic anhydride, (alkyl)acrylic acidanhydrides, (alkyl)acrylic acid salts, (alkyl)acrylic esters, (alkyl)acrylonitriles, (alkyl)acrylamides, vinyl halides or vinylidene halides.

[0034] Preferably the ethylenically unsaturated monomer is a compound of formula CH2═C(Ra)—(C═Z)—Rb, wherein Ra is hydrogen or C1-C4alkyl, Rb is NH2, O−(Me+), glycidyl, unsubstituted C1-C18alkoxy, C2-C100alkoxy interrupted by at least one N and/or O atom, or hydroxy-substituted C1-C18alkoxy, unsubstituted C1-C18alkylamino, di(C1-C18alkyl)amino, hydroxy-substituted C1-C18alkylamino or hydroxy-substituted di(C1-C18alkyl)amino, —O—CH2—CH2—N(CH3)2 or —O—CH2—CH2—N+H(CH3)2 An−;

[0035] An− is a anion of a monovalent organic or inorganic acid;

[0036] Me is a monovalent metal atom or the ammonium ion.

[0037] Z is oxygen or sulfur.

[0038] Examples of acids from which the anion An− is derived are C1-C12carboxylic acids, organic sulfonic acids such as CF3SO3H or CH3SO3H, mineralic acids such as HCl, HBr or Hl, oxo acids such as HClO4 or complex acids such as HPF6 or HBF4.

[0039] Examples for Ra as C2-C100alkoxy interrupted by at least one O atom are of formula 5

[0040] wherein Rc is C1-C25alkyl, phenyl or phenyl substituted by C1-C18alkyl, Rd is hydrogen or methyl and v is a number from 1 to 50. These monomers are for example derived from non ionic surfactants by acrylation of the corresponding alkoxylated alcohols or phenols. The repeating units may be derived from ethylene oxide, propylene oxide or mixtures of both.

[0041] Further examples of suitable acrylate or methacrylate monomers are given below. 6

[0042] An−, wherein An− and Ra have the meaning as defined above and Re is methyl or benzyl. An − is preferably Cl−, Br− or −O3S—CH3. 7

[0043] Examples for suitable monomers other than acrylates are 89

[0044] Preferably Ra is hydrogen or methyl, Rb is NH2, gycidyl, unsubstituted or with hydroxy substituted C1-C4alkoxy, unsubstituted C1-C4alkylamino, di(C1-C4alkyl)amino, hydroxy-substituted C1-C4alkylamino or hydroxy-substituted di(C1-C4alkyl)amino;and

[0045] Z is oxygen.

[0046] More preferred the ethylenically unsaturated monomer is an acrylic acid ester, acrylamide, acryinitrile, methacrylic acid ester, methacrylamide, methacryinitrile.

[0047] Acrylic acid esters and methacrylic acid esters are typically C1-C18alkyl esters.

[0048] Most preferred is n-butylacrylate, tert-butylacrylate, methylacrylate, ethylacrylate, propylacrylate, hexylacrylate and hydroxyethylacrylate.

[0049] The nitroxylethers and nitroxyl radicals are principally known from U.S. Pat. No. 4,581,429 or EP-A-621 878. Particularly useful are the open chain compounds described in WO 98/13392, WO 99/03894 and WO 00/07981, the piperidine derivatives described in WO 99/67298 and GB 2335190 or the heterocyclic compounds described in GB 2342649 and WO 96/24620. Preferably the nitroxylether of component b1) is of formula A, B or O, 10

[0050] wherein

[0051] m is 1,

[0052] R is hydrogen, C1-C18alkyl which is uninterrupted or interrupted by one or more oxygen atoms, cyanoethyl, benzoyl, glycidyl, a monovalent radical of an aliphatic carboxylic acid having 2 to 18 carbon atoms, of a cycloaliphatic carboxylic acid having 7 to 15 carbon atoms, or an α,β-unsaturated carboxylic acid having 3 to 5 carbon atoms or of an aromatic carboxylic acid having 7 to 15 carbon atoms;

[0053] p is 1;

[0054] R101 is C1-C12alkyl, C5-C7cycloalkyl, C7-C8aralkyl, C2-C18alkanoyl, C3-C5alkenoyl or benzoyl;

[0055] R102 is C1-C18alkyl, C5-C7cycloalkyl, C2-C8alkenyl unsubstituted or substituted by a cyano, carbonyl or carbamide group, or is glycidyl, a group of the formula —CH2CH(OH)—Z or of the formula —CO—Z or —CONH—Z wherein Z is hydrogen, methyl or phenyl;

[0056] G6 is hydrogen and G5 is hydrogen or C1-C4alkyl,

[0057] G1 and G3 are methyl and G2 and G4 are ethyl or propyl or G1 and G2 are methyl and G3 and

[0058] G4 are ethyl or propyl; and

[0059] X is selected from the group consisting of —CH2-phenyl, CH3CH-phenyl, (CH3)2C-phenyl, (C5-6cycloalkyl)2CCN, (CH3)2CCN, —CH2CH═CH2, CH3CH—CH═CH2 (C1-C4alkyl)CR20—C(O)-phenyl, (C1-C4)alkyl-CR20—C(O)—(C1-C4)alkoxy, (C1-C4)alkyl-CR20—C(O)—(C1-C4)alkyl, (C1-C4)alkyl-CR20—C(O)-N-di(C1-C4)alkyl, (C1-C4alky-CR20-C(O)—NH(C1-C4)alkyl, (C1-C4)alkyl-CR20—C(O)—NH2, wherein

[0060] R20 is hydrogen or (C1-C4)alkyl.

[0061] More preferably in formula A, B and O

[0062] R is hydrogen, C1-C18alkyl, cyanoethyl, benzoyl, glycidyl, a monovalent radical of an aliphatic, carboxylic acid;

[0063] R101 is C1-C12alkyl, C7-C8aralkyl, C2-C18alkanoyl, C3-C5alkenoyl or benzoyl;

[0064] R102 is C1-C18alkyl, glycidyl, a group of the formula —CH2CH(OH)—Z or of the formula —CO—Z, wherein Z is hydrogen, methyl or phenyl; and

[0065] X is CH3—CH-phenyl.

[0066] The above compounds and their preparation are described in GB 2335190.

[0067] Another preferred group of nitroxylethers of component b1) are those of formula (Ic), (Id), (Ie), (If), (Ig) or (Ih) 11

[0068] wherein R1, R2, R3 and R4 independently of each other are C1-C18alkyl, C3-C18alkenyl, C3-C18alkinyl, C1-C18alkyl, C3-C18alkenyl, C3-C18alkinyl which are substituted by OH, halogen or a group —O—C(O)—R5, C2-C18alkyl which is interrupted by at least one O atom and/or NR5 group, C3-C12cycloalkyl or C6-C10aryl or R1 and R2 andior R3 and R4 together with the linking carbon atom form a C3-C12cycloalkyl radical;

[0069] R5, R6 and R7 independently are hydrogen, C1-C18alkyl or C6-C10aryl;

[0070] R8 is hydrogen, OH, C1-C18alkyl, C3-C18alkenyl, C3-C18alkinyl, C1-C18alkyl, C3-C18alkenyl, C3-C18alkinyl which are substituted by one or more OH, halogen or a group —O—C(O)—R5, C2-C18alkyl which is interrupted by at least one O atom and/or NR5 group, C3-C12cycloalkyl or C6-C10aryl, C7-C9phenylalkyl, C5-C10heteroaryl, —C(O)—C1-C18alkyl, —O—C1-C18alkyl or —COOC1-C18alkyl;

[0071] R9, R10, R11 and R12 are independently hydrogen, phenyl or C1-C18alkyl; and

[0072] X is selected from the group consisting of —CH2-phenyl, CH3CH-phenyl, (CH3)2C-phenyl, (C5-C6cycloalkyl)2CCN, (CH3)2CCN, —CH2CH═CH2, CH3CH—CH═CH2 (C1-C4alkyl)CR20—C(O)-phenyl, (C1-C4)alkyl-CR20—C(O)—(C1-C4)alkoxy, (C1-C4)alkyl-CR20—C(O)—(C1-C4)alkyl, (C1-C4)alkyl-CR20—C(O)—N-di(C1-C4)alkyl, (C1-C4)alkyl-CR20—C(O)—NH(C1-C4)alkyl, (C1-C4)alkyl-CR20—C(O)—NH2, wherein

[0073] R20 is hydrogen or (C1-C4)alkyl.

[0074] More preferably in formula (Ic), (Id), (Ie), (f), (Ig) and (Ih) at least two of R1, R2, R3 and R4 are thyl, propyl or butyl and the remaining are methyl; or

[0075] R1 and R2 or R3 and R4 together with the linking carbon atom form a C5-C6cycloalkyl radical and one of the remaining substituents is ethyl, propyl or butyl.

[0076] Most preferably X is CH3CH-phenyl.

[0077] The above compounds and their preparation is described in GB 2342649.

[0078] When a nitroxyl radical is used together with a free radical initiator, the nitroxyl radical of component b2) is preferably of formula A′, B′ or O′, 12

[0079] wherein

[0080] m is 1,

[0081] R is hydrogen, C1-C18alkyl which is uninterrupted or interrupted by one or more oxygen atoms, cyanoethyl, benzoyl, glycidyl, a monovalent radical of an aliphatic carboxylic acid having 2 to 18 carbon atoms, of a cycloaliphatic carboxylic acid having 7 to 15 carbon atoms, or an α,β-unsaturat d carboxylic acid having 3 to 5 carbon atoms or of an aromatic carboxylic acid having 7 to 15 carbon atoms;

[0082] p is 1;

[0083] R1 is C1-C12alkyl, C5-C7cycloalkyl, C7-C8aralkyl, C2-C18alkanoyl, C3-C5alk noyl or benzoyl

[0084] R2 is C1-C18alkyl, C5-C7cycloalkyl, C2-C8alkenyl unsubstituted or substituted by a cyano, carbonyl or carbamide group, or is glycidyl, a group of the formula —CH2CH(OH)—Z or of the formula —CO—Z or —CONH—Z wherein Z is hydrogen, methyl or phenyl;

[0085] G6 is hydrogen and G5 is hydrogen or C1-C4alkyl, and

[0086] G1 and G3 are methyl and G2 and G4 are ethyl or propyl or G1 and G2 are methyl and G3 and

[0087] G4 are ethyl or propyl.

[0088] More preferably in formula A′, B′ and O′

[0089] R is hydrogen, C1-C18alkyl, cyanoethyl, benzoyl, glycidyl, a monovalent radical of an aliphatic, carboxylic acid;

[0090] R1 is C1-C12alkyl, C7-C8aralkyl, C2-C18alkanoyl, C3-C5alkenoyl or benzoyl;

[0091] R2 is C1-C18alkyl, glycidyl, a group of the formula —CH2CH(OH)—Z or of the formula —CO—Z, wherein Z is hydrogen, methyl or phenyl.

[0092] The above compounds and their preparation are described in GB 2335190.

[0093] Another preferred group of nitroxyl radicals are those of formula (Ic′), (Id′), (Ie′), (If′), (Ig′) or (Ih′) 13

[0094] wherein R1, R2, R3 and R4 independently of each other are C1-C18alkyl, C3-C18alkenyl, C3-C18alkinyl, C1-C18alkyl, C3-C18alkenyl, C3-C18alkinyl which are substituted by OH, halogen or a group —O—C(O)—R5, C2-C18alkyl which is interrupted by at least one O atom and/or NR5 group, C3-C12cycloalkyl or C6-C10aryl or R1 and R2 and/or R3 and R4 together with the linking carbon atom form a C3-C12cycloalkyl radical;

[0095] R5, R6 and R7 independently are hydrogen, C1-C18alkyl or C6-C10aryl;

[0096] R8 is hydrogen, OH, C1-C18alkyl, C3-C18alkenyl, C3-C18alkinyl, C1-C18alkyl, C3-C18alkenyl, C3-C18alkinyl which are substituted by one or more OH, halogen or a group —O—C(O)—R5, C2-C18alkyl which is interrupted by at least one O atom and/or NR5 group, C3-C12cycloalkyl or C6-C10aryl, C7-C9phenylalkyl, C5-C10heteroaryl, —C(O)—C1-C18alkyl, —O—C1-C18alkyl or —COOC1-C18alkyl; and

[0097] R9, R10, R11 and R12 are independently hydrogen, phenyl or C1-C18alkyl.

[0098] More preferably in formula (Ic′), (Id′), (Ie′), (If′), (Ig′) and (Ih′) at least two of R1, R2, R3 and R4 are ethyl, propyl or butyl and the remaining are methyl; or

[0099] R1 and R2 or R3 and R4 together with the linking carbon atom form a C5-C6cycloalkyl radical and one of the remaining substituents is ethyl, propyl or butyl.

[0100] The above compounds and their preparation is described in GB 2342649.

[0101] The structural element 14

[0102] attached to the polymer backbone of the macroinitiator is preferably derived from a compound of formulae A, B, O (A′, B′, O′) or of formulae Ic, Id, Ie, If, Ig, Ih (Ic′, Id′, Ie′, If′, Ig′, Ih′).

[0103] Further preferences given above for the nitroxyl ether and nitroxyl radical apply also for the nitroxyl moiety attached to the polymer backbone of the macroinitiator.

[0104] The alkyl radicals in the various substituents may be linear or branched. Examples of alkyl containing 1 to 18 carbon atoms are methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, butyl, 2-butyl, isobutyl, t-butyl, pentyl, 2-pentyl, hexyl, heptyl, octyl, 2-ethylhexyl, t-octyl, nonyl, decyl, undecyl, dodecyl, tridecyl, tetradecyl, hexadecyl and octadecyl.

[0105] Alkenyl with 3 to 18 carbon atoms is a linear or branched radical as for example propenyl, 2-butenyl, 3-butenyl, isobutenyl, n-2,4-pentadienyl, 3-methyl-2-butenyl, n-2-octenyl, n-2-dodecenyl, iso-dodecenyl, oleyl, n-2-octadecenyl oder n4-octadecenyl. Preferred is alkenyl with 3 bis 12, particularly preferred with 3 to 6 carbon atoms.

[0106] Alkinyl with 3 to 18 is a linear or branched radical as for example propinyl (—CH2—C≡CH ), 2-butinyl, 3-butinyl, n-2-octinyl, oder n-2-octadecinyl. Preferred is alkinyl with 3 to 12, particularly preferred with 3 to 6 carbon atoms.

[0107] Examples for hydroxy substituted alkyl are hydroxy propyl, hydroxy butyl or hydroxy hexyl.

[0108] Examples for halogen substituted alkyl are dichloropropyl, monobromobutyl or trichlorohexyl.

[0109] C2-C18alkyl interrupted by at least one O atom is for example —CH2—CH2—O—CH2—CH3, —CH2—CH2—O—CH3— or —CH2—CH2—O—CH2—CH2—CH2—O—CH2—CH3—. It is preferably derived from polyethlene glycol. A general description is —((CH2)a—O)b—H/CH3, wherein a is a number from 1 to 6 and b is a number from 2 to 10.

[0110] C2-C18alkyl interrupted by at least one NR5 group may be generally described as —((CH2)a—NR5)b—H/CH3, wherein a, b and R5 are as defined above.

[0111] C3-C12cycloalkyl is typically, cyclopropyl, cyclopentyl, methylcyclopentyl, dimethylcyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, methylcyclohexyl or trimethylcyclohexyl.

[0112] C6C10 aryl is for example phenyl or naphthyl, but also comprised are C1-C4alkyl substituted phenyl, C1-C4alkoxy substituted phenyl, hydroxy, halogen or nitro substituted phenyl. Examples for alkyl substituted phenyl are ethylbenzene, toluene, xylene and its isomers, mesitylene or isopropylbenzene. Halogen substituted phenyl is for example dichlorobenzene or bromotoluene.

[0113] Alkoxy substituents are typically methoxy, ethoxy, propoxy or butoxy and their corresponding isomers.

[0114] C7-C9phenylalkyl is benzyl, phenylethyl or phenylpropyl.

[0115] C5-C10heteroaryl is for example pyrrol, pyrazol, imidazol, 2, 4, dimethylpyrrol, 1-methylpyrrol, thiophene, furane, furfural, indol, cumarone, oxazol, thiazol, isoxazol, isothiazol, triazol, pyridine, α-picoline, pyridazine, pyrazine or pyrimidine.

[0116] If R is a monovalent radical of a carboxylic acid, it is, for example, an acetyl, propionyl, butyryl, valeroyl, caproyl, stearoyl, lauroyl, acryloyl, methacryloyl, benzoyl, cinnamoyl or β-(3,5di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyphenyl)propionyl radical.

[0117] C1-C18alkanoyl is for example, formyl, propionyl, butyryl, octanoyl, dodecanoyl but preferably acetyl and C3-C5alkenoyl is in particular acryloyl.

[0118] Particularly suitable nitroxylethers and nitroxyl radicals are those of formulae 15

[0119] The free radical initiator of component b2) is preferably a bis-azo compound, a peroxide perester or a hydroperoxide.

[0120] Specific preferred radical sources are 2,2′-azobisisobutyronitrile, 2,2′-azobis(2-methyl-butyronitrile), 2,2′-azobis(2,4-dimethylvaleronitrile), 2,2′-azobis(4-methoxy-2,4dimethylvaleronitrile), 1,1′-azobis(1-cyclohexanecarbonitrile), 2,2′-azobis(isobutyramide) dihydrate, 2-phenylazo-2,4dimethyl-4-methoxyvaleronitrile, dimethyl-2,2′-azobisisobutyrate, 2-(carbamoylazo)isobutyronitrile, 2,2′-azobis(2,4,4-trimethylpentane), 2,2′-azobis(2-methylpropane), 2,2′-azobis(N,N′-dimethyleneisobutyramidine), free base or hydrochloride, 2,2′-azobis(2-amidinopropane), free base or hydrochloride, 2,2′-azobis{2-methyl-N-[1,1-bis(hydroxymethyl)ethyl]propionamide} or 2,2′-azobis{2-methyl-N-[1,1-bis(hydroxymethyl)-2-hydroxyethyl]propionamide; acetyl cyclohexane sulphonyl peroxide, diisopropyl peroxy dicarbonate, t-amyl perneodecanoate, t-butyl perneodecanoate, t-butyl perpivalate, t-amylperpivalate, bis(2,4-dichlorobenzoyl)peroxide, diisononanoyl peroxide, didecanoyl peroxide, dioctanoyl peroxide, dilauroyl peroxide, bis(2-methylbenzoyl) peroxide, disuccinic acid peroxide, diacetyl peroxide, dibenzoyl peroxide, t-butyl per 2-ethylhexanoate, bis-(4-chlorobenzoyl)-peroxide, t-butyl perisobutyrate, t-butyl permaleinate, 1,1-bis(t-butylperoxy)3,5,5-trimethylcyclohexane, 1,1-bis(t-butylperoxy)cyclohexane, t-butyl peroxy isopropyl carbonate, t-butyl perisononaoate, 2,5-dimethylhexane 2,5-dibenzoate, t-butyl peracetate, t-amyl perbenzoate, t-butyl perbenzoate, 2,2-bis(t-butylperoxy) butane, 2,2 bis(t-butylperoxy) propane, dicumyl peroxide, 2,5-dimethylhexane-2,5-di-t-butylperoxide, 3-t-butylperoxy 3-phenylphthalide, di-t-amyl peroxide, α,α′-bis(t-butylperoxy isopropyl) benzene, 3,5-bis(t-butylperoxy)3,5-dimethyl 1,2-dioxolane, di-t-butyl peroxide, 2,5-dimethylhexyne-2,5-di-t-butylperoxide, 3,3,6,6,9,9-hexamethyl 1,2,4,5-tetraoxa cyclononane, p-menthane hydroperoxide, pinane hydroperoxide, diisopropylbenzene mono-α-hydroperoxide, cumene hydroperoxide or t-butyl hydroperoxide.

[0121] Azo initiators and peroxides are most preferred.

[0122] Preferably component c) is a compound of formula (IIa), (IIb) or (IIc)

R30—S—H  (IIa),

R30—S—R30  (IIb),

R31—S—S—R31  (IIc)

[0123] wherein R30 is C1-C18alkyl, C3-C18 alkenyl, C3-C18alkinyl, (C1-C18)alkyl-O—(C1-C18alkylen)-, HO—(C1-C18alkylen)-, (C1-C18alkyl)2N—(C1-C18alkylen)-, (C1-C18)alkyl-O—C(O)—(C1-C18alkylen)-, phenyl, phenyl(C1-C3alkyl), phenyl-C(O)— or (C1-C18alkyl)2N—C(S)—; and R31 is C1-C18alkyl, C3-C18 alkenyl, C3-C18alkinyl, (C1-C18)alkyl-O—(C1-C18alkylen)-, HO—(C1-C18alkylen)-.

[0124] Particularly preferred is a compound of formula (IIa), (IIb) or (IIc) wherein R30 and R31 is C1-C18alkyl.

[0125] Specific compounds are mercaptoethanol, dodecylmercaptane, dibenzylsufide, dibutyl-sulfide, octadecyidisulfide, distearylthiodipropionate (Irganox PS 802), dipalmityldithiodipropionate, dilaurylthiodipropionate (Irganox® PS 800).

[0126] More preferably component c) is of formula (IIa) and R30 is C8-C18alkyl.

[0127] Most preferred is dodecylmercaptane.

[0128] Chain transfer agents are known and for example described in “The Chemistry of Free Radical Polymerization”, Ed. G. Moad, E. Rizzardo, Pergamon 1995, pages 234-251. They are largely items of commerce.

[0129] In contrast to so called “iniferters” (initiator-transfer agent-terminator), chain transfer agents are not used alone without a radical initiator. They do not per se suffici ntly initiate polymerization. A definition and examples for “iniferters” are given by T. Otsu, A. Matsumoto in Adv. Polym. Sci. 1998,136, 75-137.

[0130] A further subject of the invention is a process for preparing an oligomer, a cooligomer, a polymer or a copolymer (block, random or graft) by free radical polymerization of at least one ethylenically unsaturated monomer or oligomer, which comprises (co)polymerizing the monomer or monomers/oligomers in the presence of

[0131] b1) at least one nitroxylether having the structural element 16

[0132] under reaction conditions capable of effecting scission of the O—X bond to form two free radicals, the radical .X being capable of initiating polymerization; or

[0133] b2) at least one stable free nitroxyl radical 17

[0134] and a free radical initiator and

[0135] c) a chain transfer agent selected from the group consisting of a mercaptane, a thioether and a disulfide, with the proviso, that, if a stable free nitroxyl radical is present, the chain transfer agent is not a disulfide.

[0136] Also subject of the invention is a process for preparing a block (co)polymer by free radical polymerization which comprises (co)polymerizing

[0137] a) a macroinitiator, which is a oligomer or polymer prepared by radical polymerization in the presence of a nitroxyl radical or a nitroxylether and having attached to the oligomer/polymer backbone a nitroxyl group with the structural element 18

[0138] and

[0139] b) an ethylenically unsaturated monomer or oligomer in the presence of

[0140] c) a chain transfer agent selected from the group consisting of a mercaptane, a thioether and a disulfide; under reaction conditions capable of effecting scission of the O-polymer bond to form two free radicals, the polymer radical (macroinitiator) being capable of initiating polymerization.

[0141] Definitions and preferences for the components have already been given above.

[0142] Preferably the nitroxylether of component b1) or the nitroxyl radical of component b2) is present in an amount of from 0.001 mol-% to 20 mol-%, more preferably of from 0.002 mol-% to 10 mol-% and most preferably of from 0.005 mol-% to 5 mol-% based on the monomer or monomer mixture.

[0143] Preferably the free radical initiator is present in an amount of 0.001 mol-% to 20 mol-%, based on the monomer or monomer mixture.

[0144] The molar ratio of free radical initiator to stable free nitroxyl radical is preferably from 20:1 to 1:2, more preferably from 10:1 to 1:2.

[0145] Scission of the O—X bond or of the O-polymer bond of the nitroxylether or of the macroinitiator may be effected by ultrasonic treatment, radiation with actinic light or heating.

[0146] The scission of the O—X bond or of the O-polymer bond is preferably effected by heating and takes place at a temperature of between 50° C. and 180° C., more preferably from 80° C. to 145° C.

[0147] Preferably the chain transfer agent, component c), is present in an amount of from 0.001 mol-% to 0,5 mol-%, more preferably of from 0.001 mol-% to 0,3 mol-% and most preferably of from 0.001 mol-% to 0,25 mol-%, based on the monomer or monomer mixture.

[0148] The molar ratio of stable free nitroxyl radical or nitroxylether to chain transfer agent is preferably from 100:1 to 4:1.

[0149] After the polymerization step is completed the reaction mixture may be cooled down to a temperature below 60° C., preferably to room temperature. The polymer may be stored at this temperature without further reactions occuring.

[0150] The process may be carried out in the presence of an organic solvent or in the presence of water or in mixtures of organic solvents and water. Additional cosolvents or surfactants, such as glycols or ammonium salts of fatty acids, may be present. Oth r suitable cosolvents are described hereinafter.

[0151] If organic solvents are used, suitable solvents or mixtures of solvents are typically pure alkanes (hexane, heptane, octane, isooctane), aromatic hydrocarbons (benzene, toluene, xylene), halogenated hydrocarbons (chlorobenzene), alkanols (methanol, ethanol, ethylene glycol, ethylene glycol monomethyl ether), esters (ethyl acetate, propyl, butyl or hexyl acetate) and ethers (diethyl ether, dibutyl ether, ethylene glycol dimethyl ether), or mixtures thereof.

[0152] The aqueous polymerization reactions can be supplemented with a water-miscible or hydrophilic cosolvent to help ensure that the reaction mixture remains a homogeneous single phase throughout the monomer conversion. Any water-soluble or water-miscible cosolvent may be used, as long as the aqueous solvent medium is effective in providing a solvent system which prevents precipitation or phase separation of the reactants or polymer products until after all polymerization reactions have been completed. Exemplary cosolvents useful in the present invention may be selected from the group consisting of aliphatic alcohols, glycols, ethers, glycol ethers, pyrrolidines, N-alkyl pyrrolidinones, N-alkyl pyrrolidones, polyethylene glycols, polypropylene glycols, amides, carboxylic acids and salts thereof, esters, organosulfides, sulfoxides, sulfones, alcohol derivatives, hydroxyether derivatives such as butyl carbitol or cellosolve, amino alcohols, ketones, and the like, as well as derivatives thereof and mixtures thereof. Specific examples include methanol, ethanol, propanol, dioxane, ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, diethylene glycol,glycerol, dipropylene glycol, tetrahydrofuran, and other water-soluble or water-miscible materials, and mixtures thereof. When mixtures of water and water-soluble or water-miscible organic liquids are selected as the aqueous reaction media, the water to cosolvent weight ratio is typically in the range of about 100:0 to about 10:90.

[0153] The process is particularly useful for the preparation of block copolymers.

[0154] Block copolymers are, for example, block copolymers of polystyrene and polyacrylate (e.g., poly(styrene-co-acrylate) or poly(styrene-co-acrylate-co-styrene). They are useful as adhesives or as compatibilizers for polymer blends or as polymer toughening agents. Poly(methylmethacrylate-co-acrylate) diblock copolymers or poly(methylacrylate-co-acrylate-co-methacrylate) triblock copolymers) are useful as dispersing agents for coating systeme, as coating additives (e.g. rheological agents, compatibilizers, reactive diluents) or as resin component in coatings(e g. high solid paints). Block copolymers of styrene, (meth)acrylates and/or acrylonitrile are useful as modifiers for plastics, elastomers and adhesives.

[0155] Furthermore, block copolymers of this invention, wherein the blocks alternate between polar monomers and non-polar monomers, are useful in many applications as amphiphilic surfactants or dispersants for preparing highly uniform polymer blends.

[0156] The (co)polymers of the present invention may have a number average molecular weight from 1 000 to 400 000 g/mol, preferably from 2 000 to 250 000 g/mol and, more preferably, from 2 000 to 200 000 g/mol. The number average molecular weight may be determined by size exclusion chromatography (SEC), matrix assisted laser desorptonfionization mass spectrometry (MALDI-MS) or, if the initiator carries a group which can be easily distinguished from the monomer(s), by NMR spectroscopy or other conventional methods.

[0157] The polymers or copolymers of the present invention have preferably a polydispersity of from 1.1 to 2, more preferably of from 1.2 to 1.8.

[0158] Thus, the present invention also encompasses in the synthesis novel block, multi-block, star, gradient, random, hyperbranched and dendritic copolymers, as well as graft copolymers.

[0159] The polymers prepared by the present invention are useful for following applications: adhesives, detergents, dispersants, emulsifiers, surfactants, defoamers, adhesion promoters, corrosion inhibitors, viscosity improvers, lubricants, rheology modifiers, thickeners, crosslinkers, paper treatment, water treatment, electronic materials, paints, coatings, photography, ink materials, imaging materials, superabsorbants, cosmetics, hair products, preservatives, biocide materials or modifiers for asphalt, leather, textiles, ceramics and wood.

[0160] The following examples illustrate the invention.

[0161] Compounds Used

[0162] The nitroxylether compound (101) and (102) are prepared according to GB 2335190 19

[0163] Compound 102 is the compound of example 7 in GB 2335190. Compound 101 is the 4-acetylester of compound 102 and can be prepared from compound 101 by standard methods.

[0164] n-butylacrylate and tert.-butylacrylate are commercially available for example from Merck. 1-dodecylmercaptane and ethylhexylthioglycolate are commercially available from Aldrich and WAKO.

EXAMPLES E1 to E3

[0165] In an evacuated Schlenk tube, flushed with argon and equipped with magnetic stirrer, the amount of nitroxylether and dodecylmercaptane given in Table 1 is added to 0.436 mol freshly distilled n-butylacrylate under an argon atmosphere. The Schlenk tube is closed and the remaining oxygen is removed in two freeze thaw cycles with liquid nitrogen. The tube is filled with argon and heated to 120° C. for 6 hours with stirring. The remaining monomer is removed under vacuum at room temperature. Drying is continued until constant weight of the residue. Molecular weight and distribution are determined using size exclusion chromatography with tetrahydrofurane and calibrated with polystyrene standards. The results are given in Table 1.

TABLE 1
Influence of dodecylmercaptane on controlled polymerization of n-butylacrylate
	nitroxylether	dodecylmer-
	(101), mol %	captane(mol %)	yield
sample no.	on monomer	on monomer	(%)	Mn (calc)	Mn	Mw	Mw/Mn
comparison V1	1	—	23	3300	3300	4500	1.36
example E1	1	0.1	66	7100	8700	13100	1.5
example E2	1	0.25	85	9100	10500	16800	1.6

[0166] Under the same polymerization conditions a significant increase in yield and molecular weight is observed, whereas the polydispersity (PD) remains low. The slight increase in polydispersity is due to the higher molecular weights achieved in examples E1 and E2.

[0167] Table 2 shows the result when the nitroxylether is partially substituted by the chain transfer agent.

TABELLE 2
Influence of partial substitution of the nitroxylether by dodecylmercaptane on
controlled polymerization of n-butylacrylate.
	nitroxylether	dodecylmer-
	(101), mol %	captane(mol %)	yield
sample no.	on monomer	on monomer	(%)	Mn (calc)	Mn	Mw	Mw/Mn
comparison V1	1	—	23	3300	3300	4500	1.36
E3	0.8	0.2	84	13500	11200	18200	1.62

[0168] A substitution of 20% nitroxylether by dodecylmercaptane leads to a significant increase in yield and polydispersity remains narrow.

[0169] Reinitiating Examples E5 and E6 Using Macroinitiators Prepared in the Presence of a Nitroxylether and a Chain Transfer Agent

[0170] 2.5 g of the polymers prepared as samples no. V1 and E1 (denoted in the following as macroinitiators, MI) and 7.5 g monomer are added to a Schlenk tube, flushed with argon and equipped with magnetic stirrer. The Schlenck reactor is closed and the remaining oxygen is removed in two freeze thaw cycles with liquid nitrogen. The tube is filled with argon and heated to 130° C. for 6 hours with stirring. The remaining monomer is removed under vacuum at room temperature. Drying is continued until constant weight of the residue. Molecular weight and distribution are determined using size exclusion chromatography with tetrahydrofurane and calibrated with polystyrene standards. The results are given in Table 3.

TABLE 3
Block copolymerization with n-butylacrylate and styrene
					yield of added
			Mw/Mn	monomer	monomer
sample	MI	Mn (MI)	(MI)	added	(%)	Mn	Mw	Mw/Mn
comparison	V1	3300	1.36	n-butyl-	22	5600	7100	1.27
V2				acrylate
E5	E1	8700	1.50	n-butyl-	45	18500	26100	1.41
				acrylate
comparison	V1	3300	1.35	styrene	57	7800	10900	1.40
V3
E6	E1	8700	1.50	styrene	59	20500	28500	1.39

[0171] The results in table 3 clearly show that the polymers (macroinitiators) prepared in the first step in the presence of a chain transfer agent (example E1) lead to higher yields and higher molecular weights when subjected to a second block copolymerisabon with either n-butyl-acrylate or styrene as compared to the comparative macroinitiator (example V1).

EXAMPLES E7-E14

[0172] Polymerization is carried out as described for examples E1-E3 using n-butylacrylate and tert.-butylacrylate as monomers and compound 102 as nitroxylether. The thiol compound is 1-dodecylmercaptane or ethylhexylthioglycolate. The results are shown in Table 4 to 7.

TABLE 4
Influence of 1-dodecylmercaptane on the controlled polymerization of tert.-
butylacrylate
	nitroxylether	thiol compound,
	mol % on	mol % on	yield
sample no.	monomer	monomer	(%)	Mn (calc)	Mn (GPC)	Mw (GPC)	Mw/Mn
comparison	1	—	33	4500	4300	6100	1.4
V4
E7	1	0.1	56	7500	8400	12400	1.5
E8	1	0.25	67	8900	7600	11800	1.6

[0173]

TABLE 5
Influence of ethylhexylthioglycolate on controlled polymerization of n-butylacrylate
	nitroxylether	thiol compound,
	mol % on	mol % on	Yield
sample no.	monomer	monomer	(%)	Mn (calc)	Mn (GPC)	Mw (GPC)	Mw/Mn
comparison	1	—	32	4300	4300	5400	1.2
V5
E9	1	0.25	49	6600	6200	8200	1.3
E10	1	0.5	54	7300	6200	8400	1.4

[0174]

TABLE 6
Influence of partial substitution of the nitroxylether by ethylhexylthioglycolate on
controlled polymerization of tert.-butylacrylate
	nitroxylether	thiol compound,
	mol % on	mol % on	yield
sample no.	monomer	monomer	(%)	Mn (calc)	Mn (GPC)	Mw (GPC)	Mw/Mn
comparison	1	—	33	4500	4300	6100	1.4
V4
E11	0.8	0.2	63	10400	9700	13900	1.4
E12	0.7	0.3	61	11500	10400	14900	1.4

[0175]

TABLE 7
Influence of partial substitution of the nitroxylether by ethylhexylthioglycolate on
controlled polymerization of n-butylacrylate
	nitroxylether	thiol compound,
	mol % on	mol % on	yield
sample no.	monomer	monomer	(%)	Mn (calc)	Mn (GPC)	Mw (GPC)	Mw/Mn
comparison	1	—	32	4300	4300	5400	1.2
V5
E13	0.8	0.2	70	11600	11000	13600	1.2
E14	0.7	0.3	70	13100	10700	15800	1.5

[0176] In both sets of experiments, the replacement of a maximum amout of 30% (by mol) of nitroxyl ther still allows the controlled radical polymerization process to proceed with increased yield accompanied by a polydispersity value as low as measured for the reference sample.

[0177] Reinitiation Experiments Using a Macroinitiator Prepared in the Presence of a Nitroxylether Without the Addition of a Chain Transfer Agent (Examples E15-E17). Table 8

[0178] Preparation of the Macroinitiator (V6).

[0179] The macroinitiator (V6) is synthesized using 1 mol % nitroxylether 101 in a 2 L autoclave at 120° C. The monomer, n-butylacrylate, is degassed by applying three consecutive vacuum-argon-flush cycles at room temperature, then the solution is heated rapidly to 120° C. while stirring. The nitroxyl ether, dissolved in 50 ml of monomer, is added at once when the final reaction temperature ias reached. The polymerization is allowed to proceed for 6 hours. After polymerization the residual monomer is evaporated and the polymer dried in vacuo at 30° C. until constant weight is achieved. The macroinitiator V6 is a clear, slightly orange viscous polymer. The overall yield is 40%. Molecular weights are analyzed using SEC calibrated with polystyrene standards.

[0180] Reinitiation Experiments

[0181] In a 100 ml Schlenk tube, equipped with a magnetic stir bar, 10 g of V6 are dissolved in 50 g distilled monomer (as listed in the table) until the macroinitiator is completely dissolved. Then, calculated amounts of 1-dodecylmercaptane are added. Additionally, one experiment in each series is carried out without the thiol as a reference. The tubes are degassed by three consecutive freeze-thaw-cycles and flushed with argon. Then they are immersed in an oil bath at 130° C. and the polymerization is allowed to proceed. After 6 hours, residual monomer is evaporated in vacuo and the polymer obtained dried at 30° C. in vacuo until constant weight is achieved. SEC analysis is performed on the crude reaction products.

TABLE 8
Reinitiation experiments with different concentrations of thiol added
		amount of thiol
		added (estimation
		based on C-O-N	yield (%) of
	added	endgroups in	added
sample no.	monomer	macroinitiaor V6)	monomer	Mn	Mw	Mw/Mn
macroinitiator				5500	7900	1.4
V6
comparison	n-butylacrylate		24	12500	15400	1.2
V7
E 15	n-butylacrylate	35 mg	69	21700	31000	1.4
E 16	n-butylacrylate	70 mg	72	20300	30700	1.5
V 8	tert.-	—	16	10600	13300	1.25
	butylacrylate
E 17	tert.-	70 mg	66	18900	26000	1.4
	butylacrylate

[0182] From the data obtained it becomes evident that the concept of adding a chain transfer agent to the controlled polymerization of vinylic monomers in order to increase yield and molecular weight is not only valid for a homopolymerization step, but also for any reaction step in a multi-step polymerization procedure.

[0183] Table 9 shows the results of a second reinitiation step. For the formation of a third subsequent polymerization a polymer listed in Table 8 (E 15) was submitted to a consecutive polymerization routine without any additional thiol addition. SEC analysis proved the reinitiation ability of the polymer.

[0184] Multiple Reinitiation Experiments (Examples E18-E19) Table 9

[0185] 10 grams of the polymer E15 (n-butylacrylate/n-butylacrylate) synthesized in the presence of a chain transfer agent in the second polymerization step are added to 50 grams of pure monomer in a Schlenk tube, equipped with a magnetic stir bar and dissolved. The tubes are degassed by three consecutive freeze-thaw-cycles and flushed with argon. Then they are immersed in an oil bath at 130° C. and the polymerization is allowed to proceed. After 6 hours, residual monomer is evaporated in vacuo and the polymer obtained dried at 30° C. in vacuo until constant weight is achieved. SEC analysis is performed on the crude reaction products.

[0186] The molecular weight data prove that the third polymerization step is successful. Chain extension occurs, whilst maintaining molecular weight control.

TABLE 9
Reinitiation experiments using a polymer (macroinitiator) obtained in the presence
of a chain transfer agent
		yield (%) of
sample		added				initial
no.	Comonomer	monomer	Mn	Mw	Mw/Mn	polymer	final polymer
E 15			21700	31000	1.4	nBuA-nBuA	—
E 18	n-butylacrylate	37	38700	62200	1.6	nBuA-nBuA	nBuA-nBuA-
							nBuA
E 19	styrene	64	60400	83700	1.4	nBuA-nBuA	nBuA-nBuA-Sty

[0187] Table 10 shows the color improvement of the final product when polymerization is carried out in the presence of a chain transfer agent.

[0188] Preparation of comparative example V10 is identical to the polymerization procedure as described before for n-butylacrylate in example E1-E3, with the exception that dicumylperoxide is used as initiator instead of nitroxylether (101) and no dodecylmercaptane is added.

TABLE 10
		nitroxylether	dodecylmer	Yellowness Index
	Dicumylper-	(101),	captane	5 measurements and average
	oxide, mol %	mol %	(mol %)	value of 5 are given
sample	on monomer	on monomer	on monomer	#1	#2	#3	#4	#5	avg.
V1	—	1	—	7.27	6.58	6.52	5.32	4.56	6.05
E1	—	1	0.1	4.7	4.41	4.53	4.42	4.27	4.47
E2	—	1	0.25	3.95	3.7	3.66	3.79	3.57	3.73
E3	—	0.8	0.2	3.83	3.51	3.61	3.56	3.78	3.66
V10	1	—	—	3.47	3.37	3.37	3.44	3.39	3.41
YI values were measured with a Minolta Spectrophotometer CM 3600d.

[0189] The results in table 10 show that the Yellowness Index of the polymers prepared according to the present invention is reduced compared to the polymer obtained with the nitroxylether alone.

Claims

1. A polymerizable composition, comprising a) at least one ethylenically unsaturated monomer or oligomer, and b1) at least one nitroxylether having the structural element 20,wherein X represents a group having at least one carbon atom and is such that the free radical X. derived from X is capable of initiating polymerization of ethylenically unsaturated monomers; or b2) at least one stable free nitroxyl radical 21and a free radical initiator and c) a chain transfer agent selected from the group consisting of a mercaptane, a thioether and a disulfide, with the proviso, that, if a stable free nitroxyl radical is present, the chain transfer agent is not a disulfide.

2. A polymerizable composition, comprising a) a macroinitiator, which is a oligomer or polymer prepared by radical polymerization in the presence of a nitroxyl radical or a nitroxylether and having attached to the oligomer/polymer backbone a nitroxyl group with the structural element 22b) an ethylenically unsaturated monomer or oligomer and c) a chain transfer agent selected from the group consisting of a mercaptane, a thioether and a disulfide.

3. A composition according to claim 1, wherein component b1) is of formula A, B or O,

4. A composition according to claim 1, wherein component b1) is of formula (Ic), (Id), (Ie), (If), (Ig) or (Ih)

5. A composition according to claim 1, wherein the nitroxyl radical of component b2) is of formula A′, B′ or O′,

6. A composition according to claim 1, wherein the nitroxyl radical of component b2) is of formula (Ic′), (Id′), (Ie′), (If′), (Ig′) or (Ih′)

7. A composition according to claim 2 wherein the structural element

8. A composition according to claim 1 or 2, wherein component c) is a compound of formula (IIa), (IIb) or (IIc)

9. A composition according to claim 8, wherein component c) is of formula (IIa) and R30 is C8-C18alkyl.

10. A process for preparing an oligomer, a cooligomer, a polymer or a copolymer (block, random or graft) by free radical polymerization of at least one ethylenically unsaturated monomer or oligomer, which comprises (co)polymerizing the monomer or monomers/oligomers in the presence of b1) at least one nitroxylether having the structural element 28under reaction conditions capable of effecting scission of the O—X bond to form two free radicals, the radical .X being capable of initiating polymerization; or b2) at least one stable free nitroxyl radical 29and a free radical initiator and c) a chain transfer agent selected from the group consisting of a mercaptane, a thioether and a disulfide, with the proviso, that, if a stable free nitroxyl radical is present, the chain transfer agent is not a disulfide.

11. A process for preparing a block (co)polymer by free radical polymerization which comprises (co)polymerizing a) a macroinitiator, which is a oligomer or polymer prepared by radical polymerization in the presence of a nitroxyl radical or a nitroxylether and having attached to the oligomer/polymer backbone a nitroxyl group with the structural element 30b) an ethylenically unsaturated monomer or oligomer in the presence of c) a chain transfer agent selected from the group consisting of a mercaptane, a thioether and a disulfide; under reaction conditions capable of effecting scission of the O-polymer bond to form two free radicals, the polymer radical (macroinitiator) being capable of initiating polymerization.

12. A process according to claim 10, wherein the nitroxylether of component b1) or the nitroxyl radical of component b2) is present in an amount of from 0.001 mol-% to 20 mol-%, based on the monomer or monomer mixture.

13. A process according to claim 10, wherein the free radical initiator is present in an amount of 0.001 mol-% to 20 mol-%, based on the monomer or monomer mixture.

14. A process according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the scission of the O—X bond or the scission of the O-polymer bond is effected by heating and takes place at a temperature of between 50° C. and 180° C.

15. A process according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the chain transfer agent, component c), is present in an amount of from 0.001 mol-% to 0,5 mol-%, based on the monomer or monomer mixture.

16. Use of a chain transfer agent selected from the group consisting of a mercaptane, a thioether and a disulfide for increasing rate and yield of controlled radical polymerizations in the presence of a nitroxylether