Surface‐Initiated Controlled Radical Polymerization from Silica Nanoparticles with High Initiator Density

The surface of silica nanoparticles is modified using the “grafting from” technique. A multi‐step reaction is conducted to modify their surface properties. (3‐glycidoxypropyl) trimethoxysilane (GPS) is used as the coupling agent for the fixation of atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) initiator. The grafting efficiency of GPS mixed with aqueous suspension of silica nanoparticles is studied, followed by the coupling efficiency towards ATRP initiator. The bromide concentration of ATRP initiator is kept constant for comparative kinetic studies of styrene and MMA polymerizations. The consequences at high conversions and the particle size distribution are studied. The behaviour of the glass transition temperature of either polymer‐modified particles and the nature of dispersion of polymer‐coated silica particles are analyzed.