Living/Controlled Radical Polymerization: This living/ controlled radical
polymerization method relies on completely pure reactions so that no termination caused
by impurities occurs. These polymerizations stop only when there is no more monomer
and not when termination occurs. The polymerization can continue upon the addition of
more monomer. Block copolymers can be made by this way. This type of polymerization
can be stopped and restarted at anytime. This pioneering technology enables the synthesis
of tailored polymers with unprecedented control over composition and architecture.
Complete living radical polymerization allows for control of molecular weight and
dispersity; however, this is very difficult to achieve and instead a pseudo-living radical
polymerization occurs in which there is only partial control of molecular weight and
dispersity