Fundamentals of reversible addition–fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT)
Catherine L. Moad, Graeme Moad
Abstract
Abstract Radical polymerization is transformed into what is known as reversible addition–fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization by the addition of a RAFT agent. RAFT polymerization enables the preparation of polymers with predictable molar mass, narrow chain length distribution, high end-group integrity and provides the ability to construct macromolecules with the intricate architectures and composition demanded by modern applications in medicine, electronics and nanotechnology. This paper provides a background to understanding the mechanism of RAFT polymerization and how this technique has evolved.
Topics & Concepts
RaftChain transferReversible addition−fragmentation chain-transfer polymerizationPolymerizationMolar massFragmentation (computing)Living polymerizationPolymerChemistryRadical polymerizationMacromoleculeLiving free-radical polymerizationMaterials sciencePolymer chemistryNanotechnologyComputer scienceOrganic chemistryBiochemistryOperating systemAdvanced Polymer Synthesis and CharacterizationRadioactive element chemistry and processingLuminescence and Fluorescent Materials