6.13 - Well-Defined Block Copolymers

The current study summarizes the recent advances in the design and synthesis of well-defined block polymers of various topologies prepared by different synthetic routes involving either only one polymerization mechanism or a combination of different polymerization techniques, namely, mechanistic transformations. A remarkable achievement in living/controlled polymerization methods has encouraged the synthesis of tailor-made block copolymers with specific macromolecular architecture, chemical composition/functionality, controlled molecular weight, low molecular polydispersity, and corresponding minimized heterogeneity. Thus, this chapter focuses on the methodologies involving living/controlled polymerization techniques for preparation of polymeric materials with desired fine properties.