Controlled Free Radical Polymerization of Acrylic Monomers

Controlled Free Radical Polymerization of Acrylic Monomers 

The goal of producing low cost ( 1—5/lb.) acrylic block, comb, star, and telechelic polymers by GTP and anionic polymerization has not been met. Free radical polymerization of acrylics and other vinyl monomers on the other hand requires little purification of materials, works in water and other protic solvents, and is low cost. Considerable efforts are presently under way therefore to develop controlled free radical polymerization methods. 

Early work by Otsu [74] and by Braun [75] showed some promise using Me2NCS2 and triphenylmethyl radicals as reversible capping agents for free radical chain ends. But the capping agents themselves initiated monomer and were thus slowly depleted. The iniferter concept has been reviewed by Otsu [76]. 

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