Solution self‐assembly of tailor‐made macromolecular building blocks prepared by controlled radical polymerization techniques

This review describes the preparation of colloidal aggregates (spherical micelles, cylindrical micelles, polymer vesicles, multicompartment micelles, polyion complexes, schizophrenic micelles) using bottom‐up self‐assembly approaches. In particular, it focuses primarily on the self‐organization of well‐defined macromolecular building blocks (macrosurfactants, polysoaps, polyelectrolytes) synthesized by controlled radical polymerization techniques such as atom transfer radical polymerization, reversible addition fragmentation transfer polymerization and nitroxide‐mediated polymerization. The goal of this review is to highlight that these versatile techniques of polymer synthesis allow the preparation of unprecedented nanostructures in dilute solutions. Copyright © 2006 Society of Chemical Industry     

Controlled free‐radical polymerization of vinyl chloride

Owing to the importance of poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) as the second‐largest plastic in volume after the polyolefins and above styrene polymers, the control of the free‐radical polymerization of vinyl chloride (VC) is of high industrial and academic interest. But still the term “controlled” polymerization is not yet clearly defined. Often it is used for quasi‐living polymerizations with equilibrium reactions in the initiation and/or termination step or for the control of the molecular weight distribution (MWD), but it can also be applied to several structural aspects such as stereochemistry, branching, or special technical properties. In the present article, the control of chain growth and chain transfer is discussed. It has been well known for many years that the propagation step in the VC polymerization is terminated to a large degree by the rather frequent and temperature‐dependent chain transfer of the growing macromolecules to the monomer. Therefore, the degree of polymerization is strongly governed by the polymerization temperature. However, this transfer step does not result in a controlled or a narrow MWD. By means of free‐radical nitroxide‐mediated polymerization of VC in suspension, PVC with a narrower MWD can be obtained also at higher polymerization temperatures. The resulting PVC with nitroxide end groups can act as a macro‐initiator for various monomers, resulting in two‐block copolymers, which are, e.g., interesting compatibilizers in blends with PVC. J. VINYL ADDIT. TECHNOL., 11:86–90, 2005. © 2005 Society of Plastics Engineers     

End‐functional polymers,thiocarbonylthio group removal/transformation and reversible addition–fragmentation–chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization

This review focuses on processes for thiocarbonylthio group removal/transformation of polymers synthesized by radical polymerization with reversible addition‐fragmentation‐chain transfer (RAFT). A variety of processes have now been reported in this context. These include reactions with nucleophiles, radical‐induced reactions, thermolysis, electrocyclic reactions and ‘click’ processes. We also consider the use of RAFT‐synthesized polymers in the construction of block or graft copolymers, functional nanoparticles and biopolymer conjugates where transformation of the thiocarbonylthio group is an integral part of the process. This includes the use of RAFT‐synthesized polymers in other forms of radical polymerization such as atom transfer radical polymerization or nitroxide‐mediated polymerization, and the ‘switching’ of thiocarbonylthio groups to enable control over polymerization of a wider range of monomers in the RAFT process. With each process we provide information on the scope and, where known, indicate the mechanism, advantages and limitations. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry     

Probing mechanistic features of conventional, catalytic and living free radical polymerizations using soft ionization mass spectrometric techniques

The present feature article provides an overview on the use of state-of-the-art mass spectrometry techniques such as matrix assisted laser desorption and ionization time of flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometry as well as electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) for probing the mechanism of free radical polymerization processes. The article features representative examples of the application of mass spectrometry techniques to conventional free radical polymerization, nitroxide mediated polymerization (NMP), atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP), reversible addition fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) as well as catalytic chain transfer (CCT) processes.     

RAFT (Reversible addition–fragmentation chain transfer) crosslinking (co)polymerization of multi‐olefinic monomers to form polymer networks

The use of reversible addition–fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) crosslinking (co)polymerization of multi‐olefinic monomers to produce three‐dimensional polymer networks is reviewed. We give specific attention to differences between RAFT and conventional processes, differences between RAFT and other forms of reversible deactivation radical polymerization (such as atom transfer radical and nitroxide‐mediated polymerizations) and the dependence of the polymerization process and network properties on RAFT agent structure. This knowledge is important in network optimization for applications as dynamic covalent polymers (in self‐healing polymers), as porous polymer monoliths or gels (used as chromatographic media, flow reactors, controlled release media, drug delivery vehicles and in molecular imprinting) and as coatings. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry     

An old kinetic method for a new polymerization mechanism: Toward photochemically mediated ATRP

With the idea of “an old method for a new mechanism,” a detailed kinetic insight into photochemically mediated atom‐transfer radical polymerization (photo ATRP) was presented through a validated comprehensive model. The simulation mimics the experimental results of the model system using optimized photochemically mediated radical generation rate coefficients. The activator and radical (re)generated from the photo mediated reactions endow the photo ATRP with unique features, such as rapid ATRP equilibrium and quick consumption of initiator with a small amount of residual. The effect of the reaction parameters on ATRP behaviors was also investigated. Results showed that the acceleration of polymerization rate follows the square root law in the following three cases: the overall photochemically mediated radical generation rate coefficients (k_r), the free ligand concentration, and the initiator concentration. However, the independence of the apparent propagation rate coefficient ( ) on the square root of catalyst concentration might be attributed to the result of the synergy between the activators regenerated by electron‐transfer ATRP and the initiators for continuous activator regeneration ATRP mechanism. The photo ATRP is able to design and prepare various polymers by carefully tuning the conditions using the model‐based optimization approach. © 2015 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 61: 1947–1958, 2015     

Modeling of “living” free‐radical polymerization processes. I. Batch,semibatch, and continuous tank reactors

A comprehensive mathematical model is developed for “living” free‐radical polymerization carried out in tank reactors and provides a tool for the study of process development and design issues. The model is validated using experimental data for nitroxide‐mediated styrene polymerization and atom transfer radical copolymerization of styrene and n‐butyl acrylate. Simulations show that the presence of reversible capping reactions between growing and dormant polymer chains should boost initiation efficiency when using free nitroxide in conjunction with conventional initiator and also increase the effectiveness of thermal initiation. A study shows the effects of the value of the capping equilibrium constant and capping reaction rate constants for both nitroxide‐mediated styrene polymerization (using alkoxyamine as polymer chain seeds) and atom transfer radical polymerization of n‐butyl acrylate (using methyl 2‐bromopropionate as chain extension seeds). Also the effect of introducing additional conventional initiator into atom transfer radical polymerization of n‐butyl acrylate is studied. It is found that the characteristics of long chain growth are determined by the fast exchange of radicals between growing and dormant polymer chains. Polymerization results in batch, semibatch, and a series of continuous tank reactors are analyzed. The simulations also show that a semibatch reactor is most flexible for the preparation of polymers with controlled architecture. For continuous tank reactors, the residence time distribution has a significant effect on the development of chain architecture. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 86: 1630–1662, 2002     

Photomediated controlled radical polymerization

Photomediated controlled radical polymerization is a versatile method to prepare, under mild conditions, various well-defined polymers with complex architecture, such as block and graft copolymers, sequence-controlled polymers, or hybrid materials via surface-initiated polymerization. It also provides opportunity to manipulate the reaction through spatiotemporal control. This review presents a comprehensive account of the fundamentals and applications of various photomediated CRP techniques, including atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP), reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT), nitroxide mediated polymerization (NMP) and other procedures. In addition, mechanistic aspects of other photomediated methods are discussed.     

Synthesis and characterization of fluorescent perylene bisimide-containing glycopolymers for Escherichia coli conjugation and cell imaging

Fluorescent glycopolymers were prepared via combined atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) and ‘Click Chemistry’ in one-pot synthesis, in the presence of 2-azidoethyl methacrylate (AzEMA), 2-propynyl α-d-mannopyranoside, N,N′-bis{2-[2-[(2-bromo-2-methylpropanoyl)oxy]ethoxy]ethyl}perylene-3,4,9,10-tetracarboxylic acid bisimide (PBI-Br), copper (I) bromide catalyst and pentamethyldiethylenetriamine (PMDETA) ligand. Simultaneous ATRP and ‘Click Chemistry’ is an attractive method for the synthesis of functional glycopolymers as the reaction conditions are compatible with ATRP of an azide monomer, as long as an alkynyl-functionalized carbohydrate is available for click coupling reaction. The fluorescent glycopolymers were characterized by ¹H NMR, FT-IR, UV-visible absorption, fluorescence and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopies, as well as by gel permeation chromatography. Incubation of Escherichia coli (E. coli DH5α) with the fluorescent glycopolymers yielded green fluorescent bacterial clusters. The low cytotoxicity level of the fluorescent glycopolymers was revealed by incubation with 3T3 fibroblasts, macrophages and KB cells in 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assays in vitro. Subsequently, the water-soluble, biocompatible and fluorescent glycopolymers were used as effective fluorescent cell labeling agents.     

Organometallic mediated radical polymerization

Controlled radical polymerization has become increasingly important over the past decade and a half, allowing for the facile synthesis of specific macromolecular architectures with excellent control over the chemical and physical properties. This article presents an organized and detailed review of one particular CRP technique, organometallic mediated radical polymerization (OMRP), focusing on the individual catalysts developed, their efficacy and monomer scope. Rhodium, cobalt, molybdenum, osmium, iron, palladium, titanium, chromium and vanadium mediated radical polymerizations are presented alongside organo-main group mediated reactions. A separate section reviews the types of copolymers which have been synthesized using OMRP techniques. An attempt is made to unify the many disparate names which have previously been used for OMRP by virtue of the common mechanistic aspects displayed by the different catalyst systems. A mechanistic discussion highlights the similarities and differences between these systems and examines the interplay between reversible termination and degenerative transfer OMRP and competing 1-electron redox processes.     

Synthesis of Schiff Base‐Ruthenium Complexes and Their Applications in Catalytic Processes

The synthesis of various Schiff base mononuclear and binuclear ruthenium complexes, whose additional ligands around the metal core have been selected from an array of motifs, is described. These types of ruthenium complexes, conveniently prepared from commonly available ruthenium sources, are rather stable, display good tolerance towards diverse organic functionalities and also to air and moisture. Remarkably, they exhibit a high activity and chemoselectivity in a variety of catalytic processes such as ring‐closing metathesis (RCM), Kharasch addition, alkyne dimerization, enol ester synthesis, ring‐opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP) and atom‐transfer radical polymerization (ATRP). This review covers both homogeneous and heterogeneous hybrid Schiff base‐ruthenium complexes.     

Atom transfer radical polymerization of styrene using a copper catalyst with a pseudohalogen anion

Atom transfer radical polymerization has been a very useful method in the recent advances in controlled radical polymerization. It needs an activated alkyl halide as an initiator and a copper halide as a catalyst. This investigation reports the successful application of copper thiocyanate, a catalyst with a pseudohalide anion, in the presence of different ligands such as N,N,N=,N″,N?,N?‐hexamethyltriethylenetetramine (HMTETA), pentyl‐2‐pyridylmethaneimine, and substituted bipyridine in the atom transfer radical polymerization of styrene. Among the three ligands used, HMTETA was found to be very efficient. The polymers were characterized with ¹³C‐NMR, matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry, and gel permeation chromatography analysis. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 98: 1418–1426, 2005     

纳米纤维素晶须表面接枝及其液晶性能研究进展

作为一种新兴的纳米生物材料,纳米纤维素日益受到各界的广泛关注,对其进行表面接枝改性并开发新的功能是十分必要的。本文综述了纳米纤维素晶须表面接枝的技术及研究进展,主要介绍了传统自由基聚合、离子和开环聚合及活性自由基聚合技术,包括氮氧自由基调控活性聚合、原子转移自由基聚合、可逆加成-断裂链转移聚合、单电子转移活性自由基聚合,讨论了各种接枝聚合方法的适用范围和优缺点。简述了点击化学在纳米纤维素晶须表面接枝的应用。通过各种聚合方法改性得到的纳米纤维素晶须接枝共聚物往往具有一些特殊的功能,某些接枝共聚物在适当的溶剂中可以形成液晶态,本文重点介绍了接枝改性的纳米纤维素晶须的液晶性能及其形成机理和影响因素等。     

壳聚糖接枝改性及其在生物医学领域的应用

壳聚糖作为重要的天然生物材料,其改性与应用得到了广泛关注.综述了近年来壳聚糖的化学接枝改性方法,包括开环聚合法(ROP)、原子转移自由基法(ATRP)、可逆加成断裂链转移聚合法(RAFT)、以及氮氧稳定自由基聚合法(NMP)等.并进一步综述了壳聚糖接枝共聚物在药物控释栽体、基因载体、组织工程材料等生物医学领域的应用.     

碘代化合物存在下光引发的可逆-休眠自由基聚合研究进展

碘代化合物存在下光引发的可逆-休眠自由基聚合（reversible deactivation radical polymerization, RDRP）具有体系组成简单、适用光源波长范围宽等优点,近年来受到广泛关注。本文主要介绍了最近几年碘代化合物存在下光引发的可逆-休眠自由基聚合的研究进展,以及该聚合方法与其他研究方向的交叉应用。具体包括：光引发的碘转移聚合、光引发的可逆络合聚合以及这些聚合方法在其它研究方向的应用。概述了聚合机理、聚合适用的光源,以及上述聚合方法作为工具实现聚合物“刷”的制备和诱导自组装（polymerization-induced self-Assembly,PISA）,实现了不同聚合物形貌的设计。     

星形聚合物微凝胶的合成及其研究进展

星形微凝胶是1种具有特殊结构的聚合物微凝胶,具有广阔的应用前景。活性聚合(如阴离子活性聚合、阳离子活性聚合、氮氧稳定自由基聚合及原子转移自由基聚合(ATRP))是星形微凝胶合成的最常用且最有效的方法。对该方法在星形微凝胶合成方面的应用及其研究进展进行了综述。     

结构可控含氟共聚物的合成及其应用研究新进展

近年来,含氟聚合物以其优异的耐热性、耐氧化性、耐候性、耐腐蚀性以及低介电常数、低表面能等特点,在疏水材料、抗污材料、表面活性剂、造影剂等领域具有广泛的应用前景,受到研究者的密切关注,各种拓扑结构的含氟共聚物被设计合成出来并在相关领域得到应用。本文首先简要介绍了含氟聚合物的性质和研究现状,然后详细叙述了可逆加成-断裂链转移聚合（RAFT）、原子转移自由基聚合（ATRP）、碘转移自由基聚合（ITP）、单电子转移活性聚合（SET-LRP）、氮氧稳定自由基聚合（NMP）以及活性阴离子聚合（LAP）等聚合方法在结构可控含氟共聚物合成中的研究新进展,并对其聚合机理、优缺点以及所得共聚物的性质和应用进行了总结,最后对结构可控含氟共聚物的设计、合成及实际应用前景进行了展望,提出发展绿色环保功能性含氟聚合物将是未来的主要研究热点。     

Photo‐induced controlled radical polymerization of methyl methacrylate mediated by photosensitive nitroxides

Photosensitive nitroxides bearing different chromophore groups (benzophenone, naphthalene and quinoline) were synthesized and characterized. The photochemical properties of the synthesized products were investigated by UV?visible and fluorescence measurements. The results indicated that an efficient energy transfer from the chromophore moiety to the nitroxide radical moiety could occur within the molecular distances. The photo‐induced nitroxide‐mediated polymerization of methyl methacrylate (MMA) was performed using the photosensitive nitroxide/2,2‐dimethoxy‐2‐phenyl acetophenone as a bimolecular mediated system. The controlled character of the polymerization was confirmed by the linear tendency of molecular weight evolution with narrow molecular weight distribution (1.3?1.4). The experimental conditions, such as type of chromophore, initiator concentration and molar ratio of initiator/nitroxide, are discussed for a better understanding of the mechanism of the controlled polymerization. Using the polymerization products as macroinitiator, the chain extension reaction of MMA turned out to be able to re‐initiate further polymerization of the monomer. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry     

Cellulose derivatives and graft copolymers as blocks for functional materials

In this review, recent progresses in the synthesis of new cellulose derivatives and graft copolymers are summarized. Cellulose derivatives synthesized in new cellulose solvents, such as ionic liquids and NaOH/urea, and the regioselective synthesis of cellulose derivatives have attracted increasing attention in recent years and could be a more active field for cellulose in the future. Cellulose graft copolymers with well‐defined architectures synthesized by controlled/living radical polymerizations such as atomic transfer radical polymerization and their stimuli‐induced assembly have been investigated extensively. Stimuli‐responsive functional materials can be fabricated using either cellulose derivatives or graft copolymers, and they can be used as biosensors and carriers for controlled delivery of drugs and genes. The fabrication of functional materials with cellulosic blocks and their applications have a bright future. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry     

Side-Chain Metallocene-Containing Polymers by Living and Controlled Polymerizations

This review summarizes recent work on side-chain metallocene-containing polymers prepared by controlled and living polymerizations, which include living anionic polymerization (LAP), ring-opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP) and controlled radical polymerization (CRP) such as atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP), reversible addition fragmentation chain transfer polymerization (RAFT), and nitroxide-mediated polymerization (NMP). The majority of efforts in the field are focused on side-chain ferrocene-containing polymers, while cobaltocenium-containing polymers have recently started to draw attention. Future direction on the development of other metallocene-containing polymers is discussed.