RECENT ADVANCES IN ANIONIC POLYMERIZATION.

Abstract

The major forte of anionic polymerization has been the ability to prepare polydiene and polystyrene polymers and copolymers with control over the major variables affecting polymer properties. Researchers continue to exploit this method for the preparation of model block copolymers, graft copolymers, and branched copolymers, and homopolymers with controlled, well-defined structures. The ability to prepare well-defined polymers and copolymers with functionalized end groups, especially ionic or ionizable groups, is also generating considerable current interest. Methods are also being explored to anionically polymerize and copolymerize a variety of polar monomers with controlled structures.