Polymeric and Multifunctional Initiators

Multifunctional initiators contain two or more radical generating functions within the one molecule. The chemistry of these initiators has been the subject of several reviews. As long as the radical generating functions are sufFiciently remote their decompositions are independent events. If decomposition occurs 

The success of the multifunctional initiators in the preparation of block and graft copolymers depends critically on the kinetics and mechanism of radical production. In particular, the initiator efficiency, the susceptibility to and mechanism of transfer to initiator, and the relative stability of the various radical generating functions, hach of these factors has a substantial influence on the nature and homogeneity of the polymer fonned. Features of the kinetics of polymerizations initiated by multifunctional initiators have been modeled by O Driscoll and Bevington and Choi and Lei.  

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