Radical Polymerization in Industry

Abstract

The position of radical polymerization (RP) in the context of polymer industry is highlighted. The mechanistic steps of RP are discussed from an industrial point of view. An overview of industrial initiators including photoinitiators, chain transfer agents, and monomer stabilizers is given. The most important polymerization processes with focus on emulsion polymerization (EP) and dispersion polymers as well as types of polymerization reactors are presented. The progress of controlled RP toward commercialization is reviewed.

Photopolymerization of coordinated ionic liquid monomers: Realizing the benefits of structured media using only common reagents

“…[3][4][5] Bulk processes offer multiple advantages including the ability to produce a relatively pure product and control over polymer shape and thickness. 6,7 Photopolymerization reactions are employed in a variety of applications including coatings, adhesives, photolithography, microelectronics and, more recently, in biological applications and additive manufacturing.…”

The Crucial Role of Diffusional Limitations in Controlled Radical Polymerization

“…[1][2][3] The wide use of FRP can be explained by its broad temperature operating window (À80 to 250 8C), high tolerance toward impurities and high monomer versatility. [1][2][3][4][5][6][7] Moreover, the polymer properties can be directly modified by performing a free radical copolymerization [8,9] in which depending on the comonomeer feed ratio another copolymer composition and thus a different macroscopic behavior can be obtained. Unfortunately, precisely controlled macromolecular architectures, such as well-defined block, graft and gradient copolymers, cannot be made by FRP.…”

Modulation of Biorelevant Radical Reactions by Non‐covalent Interactions

“…For instance, radical polymerization accounts for approximately 45% of world polymer production [1]; on the other hand, the involvement of transient radical species in enzyme regulated processes in living organisms has stimulated, in recent years, enormous research efforts to rationalize their role in key physiological processes like mitochondrial respiration and aging [2,3] or in the pathogenesis of several diseases [4]. For instance, radical polymerization accounts for approximately 45% of world polymer production [1]; on the other hand, the involvement of transient radical species in enzyme regulated processes in living organisms has stimulated, in recent years, enormous research efforts to rationalize their role in key physiological processes like mitochondrial respiration and aging [2,3] or in the pathogenesis of several diseases [4].…”