Mechanically Controlled Radical Polymerization: From Harsh to Mild

Abstract Mechanochemistry constitutes a burgeoning field that investigates the chemical and physicochemical alterations of substances under mechanical force. It enables the synthesis of materials which is challenging to obtain via thermal, optical or electrical activation methods. In addition, it diminishes reliance on organic solvents and provides a novel route for green chemistry. Today, as a distinct branch alongside electrochemistry, photochemistry, and thermochemistry, mechanochemistry has emerged as a frontier research domain within chemistry and material science. In recent years, the intersection of mechanochemistry with controlled radical polymerization has witnessed rapid advancements, providing new routes to polymer science. Significantly, we have experienced breakthroughs in methods relying on sonochemistry, piezoelectricity and contact electrification. These methodologies not only facilitate the synthesis of polymers with high molecular weight but also enable precise control over polymer chain length and structure. Transitioning from harsh to mild conditions in mechanochemical routes has facilitated a significant improvement in the controllability of mechanochemical polymerization. From this perspective, we introduce the progress of mechanochemistry in controlled radical polymerization in recent years, aim to clarify the historcial development of this topic.