Radical Polymerization

This chapter summarizes the current state of knowledge of the chemistry of each stage of (conventional) radical polymerization (initiation, propagation, termination, chain transfer). We consider the mechanisms, the specificity of the reactions, the nature of the group or groups incorporated in the polymer chain, and any by-products. The intention is to create an awareness of the factors that must be borne in mind in selecting the conditions for polymerization and provide the background necessary for a better understanding of polymerizations and polymer structure properties. In a final section, we briefly describe the various approaches to reversible deactivation radical polymerization.