Polymer Nanoparticles via Living Radical Polymerization in Aqueous Dispersions: Design and Applications

Abstract

In the past decade, living radical polymerization (LRP) has revolutionized academic research in the fields of free-radical polymerization and materials design. Sophisticated macromolecular architectures, designed for a variety of applications and end-use properties, can now be synthesized using relatively simple LRP chemistries that do not require stringent oxygen or moisture free environments, subzero reaction temperatures, or highly purified reagents. Publications abound not only in the fundamentals of LRP but also its use in designing tailor-made polymers and polymer–hybrid composites. Corporate research organizations have also been actively involved in LRP, with numerous patents being issued annually. Despite the intense research interest, however, comparatively few products have been commercialized, with high process costs being a primary factor. Most commercial free-radical polymerizations are conducted in aqueous dispersions due to significantly lower process costs compared to bulk or solution poly...