Free radical branching homopolymerization of asymmetrical divinyl monomers in isopropyl alcohol

(Controlled) Free radical (co)polymerization of multivinyl monomers: strategies, topological structures and biomedical applications

Free radical (co)polymerization (FRP/FRcP) of multivinyl monomers (MVMs) has emerged as a powerful strategy for the synthesis of chemically and topologically complex polymers due to its unique reaction kinetics, which enables the preparation of polymers with multiple functional groups and novel macromolecular structures. However, conventional FRP/FRcP of MVMs inevitably leads to insoluble crosslinked materials. Therefore, the development of advanced strategies for the controlled polymerization of MVMs is essential for the preparation of chemically and topologically complex polymers. In this review, we introduce the gelation mechanism of conventional FRP of MVMs and present the strategies of controlled polymerization of MVMs for the preparation of chemically and topologically complex polymers. We also discuss polymers with unique topologies synthesized by controlled polymerization of MVMs, such as crosslinked networks, (hyper)branched, star, cyclic, and single-chain cyclized/knotted structures. Finally, biomedical applications of various advanced polymeric materials prepared by controlled polymerization of MVMs are highlighted and the challenges is this field are discussed.

Advances in polymeric ionic liquids-based smart polymeric materials: emerging fabrication strategies

Polymeric ionic liquids (PILs) are a class of materials characterized by fascinating physicochemical properties as well as tunable functionality that are quite interesting for the fabrication of materials. They have attracted tremendous attention because they are easy to prepare and can be manipulated into a polymeric matrix via covalent and noncovalent linkage/interactions to form new intelligent/smart polymeric materials with improved properties and multiple functionalities for application in many fields. These new materials are specially designed to change their performance properties when subjected to external environmental stimuli including pH, temperature, light, chemicals and electromagnetic fields. Therefore, this chapter presents the progress in the preparation of PILs via different polymerization reactions and highlights the emerging advances in the fabrication of PILs-based smart polymeric materials.