Block copolymer synthesis by atom transfer radical polymerization

Atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) provides a simple, useful and effective route for the synthesis of many block copolymers. The utility of ATRP lies in the method's ability to polymerize many monomers under non-strenuous conditions and the functionality introduced to the polymer through the halide end groups. This functionality allows the polymer chains to be extended by further ATRP. Furthermore, cross-propagation can be improved through halide exchange, this ability is unique to ATRP when compared with other controlled/living radical polymerizations. Other polymerization mechanisms can also be used in conjunction with ATRP after suitable end group transformation reactions.