Atom transfer radical polymerization

Abstract

Atom transfer radical polymerization ( ATRP ) is one of the most promising industrial application methods of "living"/controlled radical polymerization. For recent years, the extensive research on ATRP has been focusing on "simplifying the operation of polymerization" and "minimizing the amount of metal catalyst". Several new ATRP techniques with different catalyst systems have been developed at the same time, such as, reverse atom transfer radical polymerization ( RATRP ) , simultaneous reverse and normal initiation ATRP ( SR&NI ATRP ) , initiators for continuous activator regeneration ATRP (ICAR ATRP) , activators generated by electron transfer for ATRP (AGETATRP) and activators regenerated by electron transfer for ATRP (ARGET ATRP). This paper reviews the development and basic principles of these ATRP systems.