living polymerization
Living polymerization is a type of polymerization process where the growth of polymer chains can continue indefinitely without terminating. This method allows for precise control over the molecular weight and structure of the resulting polymers. Unlike traditional polymerization, living polymerization does not involve chain termination or transfer reactions, enabling the synthesis of well-defined polymers.
In living polymerization, the active sites on the growing polymer chains remain reactive, allowing for the addition of new monomers at any time. This technique is commonly used in the production of block copolymers and functionalized polymers, making it valuable in various applications, including materials science and drug delivery.