The RAFT Alliance, a Global Community Promoting Innovation

Abstract

Reversible addition–fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) chemistry was first published in 1998 by CSIRO scientists Ezio Rizzardo, Graeme Moad, and San Thang.[1] RAFT is a powerful polymerization technology for the synthesis of tailor-made polymers with predetermined molecular weights, with narrow polydispersities, and with highly complex architectures.[2] Continued research into fundamental RAFT chemistry has seen the development of intellectual property in the order of some 300 patents,[3] all based upon the original[4] patent from CSIRO, Australia’s national research organization. Key developments of the RAFT technology, such as end-group removal,[5–8] microgel synthesis,[9] and aqueous polymerization,[10,11] have been integral to the development of innovative applications. These include coatings with improved pigment dispersions,[12] lubricants to improve fuel economy,[13] and spatially controlled drug conjugates.[14] There is an ever-increasing demand for technical and commercial information to support the applications of RAFT in industry. At CSIRO, we have initiated the RAFT Alliance; a community of scientists and business professionals with shared research or commercial interests in RAFT (Fig. 1). The RAFT Alliance was launched at the inaugural