Radical ring-opening emulsion polymerization

Poly(s-caprolactone) Poly(e-caprolactone) is a semicrystalline polymer synthesized by anionic, cationic, free-radical, or ring-opening polymerization [94]. It is available in a range of molecular weights and degrades by bulk hydrolysis autocatalyzed by the carboxylic acid end groups. The presence of enzymes such as protease, amylase, and pancreatic lipase accelerates polymer degradation [95], The various methods of preparation of poly(e-caprolactone) nanoparticles include emulsion polymerization, interfacial deposition, emulsion-solvent evaporation, desolvation, and dialysis. These methods and various applications are extensively reviewed [94],... 

Beyond polycondensation and chain-growth polymerizations, further selections must be made whether to use bulk (mass), solution, emulsion or interfacial, suspension, graft and solid-state polymerizations ring opening, free radical, anionic or cationic. 

Addition polymerizations proceed either by free-radical or by ionic mechanisms and can be carried out either in bulk solution, i.e., on the neat monomer, or in suspension or emulsion. Each method has its own advantages and disadvantages. The choice of method of polymerization also depends to a very great extent both on the nature of the monomer and on the product desired. Polycondensations or step-reactions proceed according to the mechanism demanded by the reactive functional groups. Some common step-reactions are esterification, amidification, and urethane formation, as well as ring-opening or transesterification. 

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