Synthesis of novel architectures by radical polymerization with Reversible Addition Fragmentation chain Transfer (RAFT polymerization)

Radical polymerization with Reversible Addition-Fragmentation chain Transfer - RAFT polymerization can be adapted to produce a wide variety of block copolymers and other polymers of complex architecture. Such polymerizations require use of a suitable compound [Z-(C=X)X-R], which is selected to have a very high transfer constants in radical polymerization of the desired monomers, and appropriate choice of reaction conditions. Block and multiblock polymers, stars and grafts are available through use of precursors containing multiple thiocarbonylthio groups. Stars and microgels are also available through self assembly and crosslinking of RAFT synthesized block copolymer micelles and by a varient of the 'arm-first' approach wherein of a diene monomer is (co)polymerized in the presence of a preformed RAFT-made polymer. This paper briefly reviews RAFT polymerization then examines the scope for utilizing the technology in the construction of novel architectures.