Synthesis of block copolymers by atom transfer radical polymerization

The synthesis of block copolymers with controlled block lengths by atom transfer radical poly merization (ATRP) was reviewed in detail with 43 references. Three different methods were discussed: 1) synthesis of a defined molecular weight block by atom transfer radical polymerization which is isolated and subsequently used as a macroinitiator for the reinitiation by atom transfer radical polymerization of a second monomer. 2) synthesis of a macroinitiator by introduction of initiating groups onto polymers by chemical modification and use in atom transfer radical polymerization to initiate a second block. 3) combination of atom transfer radical polymerization with other living/controlled polymerizations and even conventional radical polymerization.