Recent Advances in the Synthesis of Complex Macromolecular Architectures Based on Poly(N-vinyl pyrrolidone) and the RAFT Polymerization Technique.

Recent advances in the controlled RAFT polymerization of complex macromolecular architectures based on poly(N-vinyl pyrrolidone), PNVP, are summarized in this review article. Special interest is given to the synthesis of statistical copolymers, block copolymers, and star polymers and copolymers, along with graft copolymers and more complex architectures. In all cases, PNVP is produced via RAFT techniques, whereas other polymerization methods can be employed in combination with RAFT to provide the desired final products.

Statistical Copolymers of N-Vinylpyrrolidone and Isobornyl Methacrylate via Free Radical and RAFT Polymerization: Monomer Reactivity Ratios, Thermal Properties, and Kinetics of Thermal Decomposition.

The synthesis of statistical copolymers of N-vinylpyrrolidone (NVP) with isobornyl methacrylate (IBMA) was conducted by free radical and reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization. The reactivity ratios were estimated using the Finemann-Ross, inverted Fineman-Ross, Kelen-Tüdos, extended Kelen-Tüdos and Barson-Fenn graphical methods, along with the computer program COPOINT, modified to both the terminal and the penultimate models. According to COPOINT the reactivity ratios were found to be equal to 0.