Patent ID: 6096859
Filing Date: 2000-08-01
Classification: C08G

Abstract:
A method for controlling molecular weight and dispersity of a polymer, said polymer being formed by free radical polymerization using enzyme-catalyzed reaction, the method comprising the following steps:(a) forming a solvent system having a solubility parameter and dielectric constant, said solvent system being a reaction medium for said polymerization;(b) varying said solubility parameter for controlling growth of polymer chain, and varying said dielectric constant for affecting enzyme activity, said growth of the polymer chain in said solvent system continuing until a desired weight and dispersity are achieved and said polymer separates from the reaction medium;(c) changing said dielectric constant for changing said enzyme activity for controlling the growth of the polymer chain, and thereby controlling the polymer molecular weight and dispersity;(d) adding to the reaction medium an aqueous preparation of an enzyme;(e) adding to the reaction medium and enzyme preparation, a monomer selected from the group consisting of phenols, aromatic amines, and their derivatives to form a reaction mixture;(f) initiating a polymerization reaction by adding dropwise 30% hydrogen peroxide (w/w) (up to about 30% stoichiometric excess) while stirring the reaction mixture;(g) continuing stirring for several hours;(h) centrifuging the precipitate formed;(i) repeated washing of the precipitate for removing any unreacted monomer; and(j) drying the final precipitate under a reduced pressure at 50.degree. C.