Statistical, gradient, block and graft copolymers by controlled living radical polymerizations

Viac o knihe

The design and realization of well-defined polymer architectures is a key goal in macromolecular science, reliant on controlled polymerization reactions. Living anionic polymerization was the first to meet these criteria, followed by cationic polymerization, which emerged when it was discovered that an equilibrium could be established between active and dormant species, with dormant species predominating. Controlled radical polymerization has since developed in various forms, including nitroxide mediated polymerization (NMP), atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP), reversible addition fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT), and catalytic chain transfer (CCT) reactions. These methods enable the creation of well-defined architectures while accommodating a broader range of monomers and less stringent reaction conditions compared to living ionic polymerization. Although termination reactions in controlled radical polymerization cannot be entirely eliminated, their occurrence is limited. This control results in well-defined molecular weights, low polydispersity indices, and the ability to attach functionalities to macromolecules. Such characteristics facilitate the production of sophisticated polymer architectures, including block copolymers, star-shaped, and comb-shaped copolymers.