Gradient copolymers by atom transfer radical copolymerization

Gradient copolymers, in which the instantaneous composition varies continuously along each chain, are discussed in terms of theoretical background, significance and examples from the literature. The specific focus is the use of atom transfer radical polymerization to synthesize gradient copolymers with various composition profiles. Examples of gradient copolymers using ionic and controlled radical polymerization techniques are presented. Atom transfer radical polymerization has been used under both batch and semi-batch conditions to produce gradient copolymers. The physical properties of gradient copolymers and possible future work in the field of gradient copolymers are discussed.