Green atom transfer radical polymerization: From process design to preparation of well-defined environmentally friendly polymeric materials

Currently, various efforts are being made to develop environmentally friendly atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) processes. One of major significance is the ability to remove the catalyst after completion of the procedure. The development of highly active catalysts that can be used at low concentration and/or at low reaction temperature is even more important for it eliminates the need for catalysts removal. The ability to carry out ATRP reactions in green solvents such as water, supercritical carbon dioxide, or ionic liquids is another important matter and is also discussed in details. ATRP allows for the synthesis of an abundance of specialty materials that have some environmental impact. These materials include self-plasticized polymers, biodegradable polymers, solventless coatings, dense non-aqueous phase liquids, nonionic surfactants and the like.