| Polymerization Technology | Suitable Monomers / Systems | Key Control Targets | Typical Project Goals | Project Notes |
|---|
| RAFT Polymerization | Acrylates, methacrylates, styrenics, functional vinyl monomers | Mn, dispersity, chain-end fidelity, block sequence | Block copolymers, functional polymers, amphiphilic polymers | Chain transfer agent selection and purification strategy are critical. |
| ATRP Polymerization | Acrylates, methacrylates, styrenics, halogen-functional monomers | Molecular weight, dispersity, end-group retention | Polymer brushes, graft polymers, well-defined polymers | Catalyst, ligand, oxygen control, and residual metal management should be considered. |
| Ring-Opening Polymerization | Lactide, glycolide, caprolactone, cyclic carbonates, epoxides | Backbone structure, degradability, molecular weight | Polyesters, polyethers, biodegradable polymers | Monomer purity, moisture control, and catalyst selection strongly affect results. |
| Ring-opening Metathesis Polymerization | Norbornene derivatives, cycloolefins, strained cyclic olefins | Backbone rigidity, side-chain functionality, conversion | Functional polyolefin-like materials, rigid backbone polymers | Catalyst compatibility and monomer strain are key feasibility factors. |
| Free Radical Polymerization | Vinyl monomers, acrylates, methacrylates, styrenics | Conversion, composition, process robustness | Homopolymers, random copolymers, screening batches | Suitable for broad screening, but molecular weight distribution may be wider. |
| Living Anionic Polymerization | Styrenics, dienes, selected reactive monomers | Narrow dispersity, chain-end activity, architecture | Block copolymers, narrow-distribution polymers | Requires strict exclusion of water, oxygen, and impurities. |
| Living Cationic Polymerization | Vinyl ethers, isobutylene, selected electron-rich monomers | Chain growth control, end-group fidelity, side reaction control | Functional polyvinyl ethers, specialty polymers | Temperature, Lewis acid system, and chain transfer control are important. |
| Nitroxide-mediated Polymerization | Styrenics, acrylates, selected vinyl monomers | Controlled radical growth, dispersity, low catalyst residue | Controlled polymers, functional copolymers | Monomer compatibility and reaction temperature should be evaluated. |
| Emulsion Polymerization | Water-dispersed vinyl monomers, latex systems, polymer particles | Particle size, solids content, colloidal stability | Latex polymers, waterborne coatings, adhesives, particles | Surfactant system, initiator type, and feeding strategy affect stability. |