Hello,

I am relatively new to polymerization with ATRP and I am currently attempting the aqueous polymerization of PEGMA and HEMA using ATRP (in particular SET-LRP using Cu(I)Br and Me6TREN). However, I am observing gelation in my polymerization mixture within 1 hour without the addition of any alkyl halide initiator. Does anyone have any experience with this? I am suspecting it could be Fenton reaction catalysed by the copper catalyst with the peroxides present in the monomer.

I appreciate any insights and related experience! Thank you!