
living polymerization
Living polymerization is a controlled process where polymer chains grow simultaneously without chain termination or significant chain transfer. This means the molecular weight and structure of the resulting polymer can be precisely managed by adjusting reaction time or monomer amount. During living polymerization, active chain ends remain reactive throughout the process, allowing new monomers to add sequentially, producing uniform, well-defined polymers. This technique enables the synthesis of polymers with specific properties, such as narrow molecular weight distribution and tailored architecture, making it valuable for advanced material design in industries like plastics, electronics, and biomedical devices.