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In polymer chemistry, radical polymerization (RP) is a method of polymerization by which a polymer forms by the successive addition of a radical to building blocks (repeat units). Radicals can be formed by a number of different mechanisms, usually involving separate initiator molecules .
Living free radical polymerization is a type of living polymerization where the active polymer chain end is a free radical. Several methods exist. Several methods exist. IUPAC recommends [ 1 ] to use the term " reversible-deactivation radical polymerization " instead of "living free radical polymerization", though the two terms are not synonymous.
RAFT is a type of living polymerization involving a conventional radical polymerization which is mediated by a RAFT agent. [8] Monomers must be capable of radical polymerization. [9] There are a number of steps in a RAFT polymerization: initiation, pre-equilibrium, re-initiation, main equilibrium, propagation and termination.
In chain growth polymerization, two growing chains can collide head to head causing the growth of both of the chains to stop. In the case of radical or anionic polymerization , chain transfer can occur where the radical at the end of the growing chain can be transferred from the chain to an individual monomer unit causing a new chain to start ...
In free radical polymerization, radicals formed from the decomposition of an initiator molecule are surrounded by a cage consisting of solvent and/or monomer molecules. [6] Within the cage, the free radicals undergo many collisions leading to their recombination or mutual deactivation. [5] [6] [9] This can be described by the following reaction:
Branching sometimes occurs spontaneously during synthesis of polymers; e.g., by free-radical polymerization of ethylene to form polyethylene. In fact, preventing branching to produce linear polyethylene requires special methods. Because of the way polyamides are formed, nylon would seem to be limited to unbranched, straight chains.
Both free-radical polymerization, and more recently, controlled-radical polymerization have been utilized for the preparation of self healing hydrogels. Free radical polymerization consists of initiation, propagation, and termination. After initiation, a free radical active site is generated which adds monomers in a chain link-like fashion.
End groups are seen on all polymers and the functionality of those end groups can be important in determining the application of polymers. Each type of polymerization (free radical, condensation or etc.) has end groups that are typical for the polymerization, and knowledge of these can help to identify the type of polymerization method used to form the polymer.