Controlled Synthesis of Block and Graft Copolymers

Abstract

Block and graft copolymers are characterized by their microphase separated structures in the solid, the size and shape of which are dependent on the molecular weight and its distribution of each chain. The control of molecular weight is thus of primary importance in the synthesis of block and graft copolymers in order to design polymeric materials with functions taking advantage of the specific structures of these copolymers Living polymerization, which can provide the polymers with controlled molecular weight, has broadened its scope very much recently, enabling the synthesis of a wide variety of block copolymers and macromonomers for graft copolymers. A brief account will be made in this article with emphasis on the living and immortal polymerizations by metalloporphyrin.