Poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) is one of the more consumed polymers worldwide due to its versatility and low cost. It is broadly used in various applications ranging from packaging to construction. Currently PVC is only being prepared on an industrial scale by free-radical polymerization (FRP). However, several intrinsic limitations of FRP triggered the interest in synthesizing this polymer by reversible deactivation radical polymerization (RDRP) methods. At the present time, single electron transfer living radical polymerization (SET-LRP), single electron transfer degenerative chain transfer living radical polymerization (SET-DTLRP), cobalt-mediated radical polymerization (CMRP), supplemental activator and reducing agent atom transfer radical polymerization (SARA ATRP), reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer polymerization (RAFT) and nitroxide-mediated polymerization (NMP) are RDRP methods that have been reported for vinyl chloride (VC) (co)polymerization. These methods will be critically discussed from three major standpoints: degree of control over polymerization, limitations and potential applications on an industrial scale. The progresses achieved recently on the synthesis of PVC-block copolymers via SET-DTLRP at large scale will be presented.<br/>

Reversible deactivation radical polymerization of vinyl chloride: From fundamental studies to industrial applications

254th National Meeting (2017)

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.