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Polymerization Tools

Example of polymer molecular structure

A polymer is a material consisting of a large number of repeating subunits, referred to as monomers. Polymerization is a chemical reaction of monomers to form polymer chains or networks. The advancement in polymerization technologies has propelled the development of polymers with increasingly complex structures and properties, enabling novel research in the biomedical, energy, and electronic fields. Polymer properties and performances are highly dependent on monomer types and the polymerization tools or methods used for the synthesis.

We provide a diverse selection of polymerization tools to meet your different research needs:

  • Monomers
  • Reagents for controlled radical polymerization
  • Catalysts for polymerization
  • Chain transfer agents
  • Crosslinking agents
  • Surfactants

Our comprehensive monomer portfolio enables the synthesis of a variety of polymers with different structures, compositions and properties. Our offering is organized by their functional groups, and major monomer categories include acrylics, alcohols, epoxide and amines.

Controlled Radical Polymerization

Controlled radical polymerization (CRP), enables better control over the polymer molecular weight, molecular weight distribution, functionality, and composition. CRP is suitable for developing well-defined polymers with desired properties. CRP can be utilized with a wide range of vinyl monomers to build polymers with diverse properties for different applications.

There are three fundamental CRP techniques:

  • Atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP)
  • Reversible addition/fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization
  • Nitroxide-mediated polymerization (NMP)

We offer a comprehensive portfolio of vinyl and norbornene monomers, RAFT agents, ATRP agents and NMP initiators for different types of controlled radical polymerizations. Technical reviews and supporting information for each method can be found in our Controlled Radical Polymerization Guide.

Related Product Resources

Brochure: Controlled Radical Polymerization Handbook
Article: Evaluation of RAFT Agents
Applications: Free Redical Initiators
Article: RAFT Agents for Making Well-Defined Functionalized Polymers
Article: RAFT- Choosing the Right Agent to Achieve Controlled Polymerization
Article: Universal (Switchable) RAFT Agents for Well-Defined Block Copolymers
Article: Block Copolymer Synthesis Using a Nitroxide-mediated Radical Polymerization (NMP) Approach

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Explore our portfolio of versatile hydrophobic polymers to support your adhesion, coating, fiber, film, engineered plastic and biomedical applications.
Hydrophilic Polymers
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Discover our selection of polyethylene glycol (PEGs) and PEG derivatives in a wide range of molecular weights for all your PEGylation needs and applications.
Specialty & Smart Polymers
Find specialized polymers for high-strength structural applications, including thermoset, thermoplastic, and 3D printing options.
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Drug delivery describes techniques used to transport pharmaceutical compounds to targeted sites in the body to achieve a desired therapeutic effect with improved drug efficacy and reduced toxicity.
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Tissue engineering fabricates tissues cultures from scaffolds, living cells, and biologically active molecules by simulating the microenvironment of the body to repair or replace damaged tissue.
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