What is living polymerization?

Living polymerization is a process in which a polymer chain continues to grow in a controlled manner, meaning that the chain grows in a very specific and predictable way. This process can be achieved through a variety of methods, including anionic, cationic, and radical polymerization.

The term "living" refers to the fact that the polymer chain continues to grow without any termination or chain transfer reactions occurring. This results in a polymer with a very narrow distribution of molecular weights, making it very useful for a variety of applications, such as in the production of high-performance materials and coatings.

Living polymerization is often used to create block copolymers, which are made up of two or more different types of monomers. These copolymers can have unique properties that are not present in their individual components.

Some examples of living polymerization techniques include atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP), reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization, and ring-opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP). These methods have led to the development of a wide range of useful and innovative materials, including advanced plastics, adhesives, and electronics components.