Controlled radical polymerization

Fundamentals of controlled/“living” radical polymerization are given together with a discussion of selected initiating/catalytic systems which provide structural, compositional, and functionality control during radical polymerization. Four systems which enable the synthesis of polymers with low polydispersities (Mw/Mn< 1.2), relatively high molecular weights (Mn>10 000), and high degrees of functionality are: nitroxide-mediated polymerization of styrene and styrene copolymers; organometallic compounds used for polymerization of acrylates; atom transfer radical polymerization of various monomers; and the degenerative transfer process. Also important in this field are new structural features and potential applications of controlled radical polymerization.