An Industrial History ofRAFTPolymerization

Chapter 24 An Industrial History of RAFT Polymerization Graeme Moad, Graeme Moad CSIRO Manufacturing, Research Way, Clayton, VIC 3168 AustraliaSearch for more papers by this author Graeme Moad, Graeme Moad CSIRO Manufacturing, Research Way, Clayton, VIC 3168 AustraliaSearch for more papers by this author Book Editor(s):Graeme Moad, Graeme Moad CSIRO Manufacturing, Private Bag 10, Clayton South, VIC, Melbourne, 3169 AustraliaSearch for more papers by this authorEzio Rizzardo, Ezio Rizzardo Monash University, Clayton Campus, 13 Rainforest Walk, VIC, Clayton, 3800 AustraliaSearch for more papers by this author First published: 29 October 2021 https://doi.org/10.1002/9783527821358.ch24 AboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Share a linkShare onFacebookTwitterLinked InRedditWechat Summary This chapter traces the history of radical polymerization with reversible addition–fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT polymerization) and the rapid evolution in applications of that technique through reference to the patent literature. We cover the origins of the method, which lie with the development of the so-called macromonomer RAFT agents. Macromonomer RAFT polymerization, also now known as sulphur-free RAFT polymerization, drew significant interest from the industry, particularly with commercial development of low VOC coatings and effective dispersants for pigments and dyes. However, the term RAFT agent can usually be understood to refer to thiocarbonylthio RAFT agents, which are most often dithioesters, trithiocarbonates, xanthates, or dithiocarbamates. Patents on thiocarbonylthio RAFT polymerization continue to increase. There are currently almost 150 new patent families appearing each year. We describe the patents that may be pivotal to the development of thiocarbonylthio RAFT polymerization as a technique paying particular attention to RAFT emulsion polymerization and the use of RAFT for the synthesis of stars, including nano- or microgels. We then consider the wide range of RAFT applications, which include bioapplications (therapeutic, cosmetic, and ophthalmic), electronic applications (resists and polymer semiconductors), and industrial applications (dispersants, coatings, and adhesives) that are responsible for most of the patent literature in the field. RAFT Polymerization: Methods, Synthesis and Applications, Volume 2 RelatedInformation