Modern trends in controlled synthesis of functional polymers: fundamental aspects and practical applications

Major trends in controlled radical polymerization (CRP) or reversible-deactivation radical polymerization (RDRP), the most efficient method of synthesis of well-defined homo- and copolymers with specified parameters and properties, are critically analyzed. Recent advances associated with the three classical versions of CRP: nitroxide mediated polymerization, reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer polymerization and atom transfer radical polymerization, are considered. Particular attention is paid to the prospects for the application of photoinitiation and photocatalysis in CRP. This approach, which has been intensively explored recently, brings synthetic methods of polymer chemistry closer to the light-induced processes of macromolecular synthesis occurring in living organisms. Examples are given of practical application of CRP techniques to obtain industrially valuable, high-tech polymeric products.

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