Ionic Polymerization

In the last twenty years the literature on the processes of ionic polymerization has reached such a level that there is not a single question which is not covered by the information contained in the many monographs, reference books, and textbooks in this field. It is easy for the interested reader to find sources for in-depth study, for a superficial acquaintance with the fundamentals of the subject or with the general features of these processes. At the same time the field is being continually enriched by new facts which have not only broadened the data base but which influence existing concepts on the mechanisms of these reactions. Such influences often touch the very foundations of these concepts, i. e. , they go beyond simple descriptions of the structure of the pre-reaction states or earlier schemes. It is therefore appropriate to attempt a critical appraisal of the modern views on the mechanisms of formation of macro molecules in ionic systems which envisages, so far as is possible, the differentiating of fundamental and hypothetical conclusions or concepts. With this in mind we have preferred to address ourselves to the reader who is already quite well acquainted with the general litera ture. This has allowed us to dispense with detailed introductions to the questions discussed and to limit ourselves to brief comments on the fundamentals of the subject.

The International Symposium on Ionic Polymerization (IP'99) was held in Kyoto, Japan, July 1999. It was sponsored by IUPAC, the Chemical Society of Japan, the Society of Polymer Science, Japan, the Society of Synthetic Organic Chemistry, Japan and the Japan Chemical Innovation Institute. The research areas covered were directed at the traditional fields of cationic, anionic and ring-opening polymerization, as well as polymer synthesis, including radical, metal catalyzed, and enzymatic polymerization, plus polycondensation and new polymer architecture. The papers in this volume of Macromolecular Symposia cover a broad range of topics illustrative of the symposium.

More than simply an up-to-date review of ionic polymerization, this book presents an in-depth and critical comparison of the anionic and cationic polymerization of vinyl monomers and heterocyclic compounds. These different modes of ionic polymerization are examined with regard to their capacity for producing living polymers. The concept of living polymers is re-examined and redefined in light of current knowledge of ionic polymerization and possible side reactions. Throughout, the authors offer perceptive insights into the basic concepts of polymerization chemistry and polymerization reaction mechanisms. The book begins with a review of ionic and radical polymerizations, the development of ionic polymerization, living and dormant polymers, and polymerizability. It goes on to consider important aspects of the structure and properties of ionic species; initiation and propagation of ionic polymerization; polymerization steps other than initiation or propagation, such as termination, isomerization, transfer, backbiting, and degraduation; and ionic copolymerization. Ionic Polymerization and Living Polymers is a much needed advanced text that will be widely read and referred to by polymer scientists, macromolecular chemists, and materials scientists.

Proceedings of the 2003 International symposium on Ionic Polymerization and Related Processes contains papers by world leaders in this important area of polymer science, Edited by world-known experts in ionic polymerization, Professors Jimmy Mays and Robson Storey, these peer reviewed papers are presented in three sub-categories: 1. anionic polymerization; 2. cationic polymerization; 3. related processes. Aspects covered include synthesis, mechanic Studies, and applications. This volume will be useful to both academic and industrial scientists and engineers seeking to keep up with current advances in these important areas of science and technology.

In Ionic Polymerization and Related Processes, internationally recognised academic and industrial researchers discuss and debate the latest developments in the field. The major focus is on cationic polymerizations, but related anionic and controlled radical processes are also discussed.

Over the last twenty years, the field of the chemistry of polymerization witnessed enormous growth through the development of new concepts, catalysts, processes etc. Examples are: non classical living polymerizations (group transfer polymerization, living carbocationic polymerization, living radical polymerization and living ring-opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP)); new catalysts (metallocenes and late transition metal catalysts for stereospecific polymerization, Schrock and Grubbs catalyst for ROMP among others) and new processes such as miniemulsion, microemulsion polymerization and dispersion polymerization (in polar solvents). Apart from the developments in the chemistry of polymerization, methods have been developed for the evaluation of highly reliable rate constants of propagation in radical as well as cationic polymerization. All these have revolutionized the field of synthetic polymer chemistry. In the book, fundamentals of both the new and old polymerization chemistry have been dealt with. The new chemistry has been given nearly equal space along with the old.

The new edition of a classic text and reference The large chains of molecules known as polymers are currently used in everything from "wash and wear" clothing to rubber tires to protective enamels and paints. Yet the practical applications of polymers are only increasing; innovations in polymer chemistry constantly bring both improved and entirely new uses for polymers onto the technological playing field. Principles of Polymerization, Fourth Edition presents the classic text on polymer synthesis, fully updated to reflect today's state of the art. New and expanded coverage in the Fourth Edition includes: * Metallocene and post-metallocene polymerization catalysts * Living polymerizations (radical, cationic, anionic) * Dendrimer, hyperbranched, brush, and other polymer architectures and assemblies * Graft and block copolymers * High-temperature polymers * Inorganic and organometallic polymers * Conducting polymers * Ring-opening polymer ization * In vivo and in vitro polymerization Appropriate for both novice and advanced students as well as professionals, this comprehensive yet accessible resource enables the reader to achieve an advanced, up-to-date understanding of polymer synthesis. Different methods of polymerization, reaction parameters for synthesis, molecular weight, branching and crosslinking, and the chemical and physical structure of polymers all receive ample coverage. A thorough discussion at the elementary level prefaces each topic, with a more advanced treatment following. Yet the language throughout remains straightforward and geared towards the student. Extensively updated, Principles of Polymerization, Fourth Edition provides an excellent textbook for today's students of polymer chemistry, chemical engineering, and materials science, as well as a current reference for the researcher or other practitioner working in these areas.

The Chemistry of Cationic Polymerization covers the fundamental aspects of organic chemistry that provide significant insights into the many facets of cationic polymerization processes and products. Each chapter deals with individual and groups of monomers. Considerable chapters examine the chemistry of oxygen compounds. Other chapters describe the techniques for cationic polymer analysis and detection. This text also considers sulfur compounds, particularly their polymerizations by radical and anionic mechanisms. The remaining chapters explore the polymerization and products of carbonium ions, related organic reactions and comparison with radical and anionic polymerizations, as well as the conspectus of kinetics and mechanism. This book is of great value to organic and polymer chemists.

This work introduces the basic theories and experimental methods of anionic polymerization as well as the synthesis, analysis and characteristics of anionic polymerized products. It details the creation of linear and branched polymers, random and block copolymers, graft and macromonomers, and many other substances. The work emphasizes the relationship between fundamental principles and commercial applications.;College or university bookstores may purchase five or more copies at a special student price, available on request from Marcel Dekker, Inc.

Over the years the field of anionic polymerization has attracted numerous outstanding scientists, and today it still is being pursued by many researchers all over the world. The exciting discovery of termination-less polymerization processes and living polymers culminating in the development of narrow molecular weight polymers, star polymers, and tailor-made block and graft copolymers, contributed immensely to the rapid expansion of polymer science. Areas of active research in anionic polymerization presently include the structure of ion pairs and their role in regulating polymer structure, ring opening polymerization of heterocyclic monomers, synthesis of well-defined block and graft copolymers including the application of macromers in such systems, telechelic polymers with functional end groups, and other topics. New developments in the organic chemistry of carbanions such as dipolar carbanions impinge on the field of anionic polymerization. More sophisticated characterization techniques have been instrumental in obtaining better correlations between the structure of polymers and that of intermediates leading to their formation. This book contains the proceedings of the international symposium on "Recent Advances in Anionic Polymerization and Related Processes" which was held at the 1986 spring meeting of the American Chemical Society. It was the first Polymer Division-sponsored meeting exclusively devoted to anionic polymerization since the Houston ACS meeting in the spring of 1980. The proceedings of that meeting were published in the book "Anionic Polymerization", ACS Symposium Series No. 166, edited by Dr. J. E. McGrath.