Living polymerization

Living polymerization is a chain-growth process in which active chain ends undergo little or no irreversible termination or transfer. It allows polymer chains to continue growing when monomer is added.

Chain-growth polymerization: Polymerization in which monomer adds successively to an active chain end. Living polymerization is a chain-growth process distinguished by persistent active ends.
Block copolymer: A polymer whose chains contain long sequences, or blocks, of different monomer-derived units. Adding a second monomer to living chains creates a distinct polymer block.
Controlled radical polymerization: Radical polymerization methods that regulate chain growth and limit termination without eliminating it. These methods often mimic living behavior while retaining some irreversible termination.
Michael Szwarc: A Polish-American chemist known for discovering living anionic polymerization. His work established the experimental basis for the living-polymerization concept.
Initiator (chemistry): A substance that generates reactive species to start a chemical chain reaction. Initiators establish the active chain ends whose persistence defines living growth.
Polymer brush: A dense layer of polymer chains tethered by one end to a surface or backbone. Controlled chain growth can tailor brush-chain length and composition.
Atom-transfer radical polymerization: A reversible-deactivation radical polymerization that transfers halogen atoms between dormant chains and a catalyst. ATRP controls radical concentrations through reversible activation rather than strictly living ends.
Styrene: An aromatic organic compound used as a monomer to make polystyrene and other materials. Szwarc demonstrated persistent chain growth in anionic styrene polymerization.
Propagation (chemistry): The repeated reaction step that extends a growing chain in a chain reaction. Repeated propagation adds monomer while living chain ends remain active.
Polymer self-assembly: The spontaneous organization of polymer molecules into ordered structures through molecular interactions. Living synthesis makes block architectures that self-assemble into nanoscale domains.

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