State-of-the-art in the studies of three-dimensional radical copolymerisation

The state-of-the art in the studies of the three-dimensional radical copolymerisation of polyfunctional vinyl compounds with various monomers is analysed. The mechanisms of the relationship between the copolymerisation kinetics and structure-physical transformation of the reactive medium and the structure of the cross-linked polymers formed are discussed. The key role of spectroscopic monitoring techniques in the in situ studies of structure-kinetic relations in three-dimensional radical copolymerisation is noted. New approaches to the control of these processes based on the use of chain transfer catalysis and living radical polymerisation are considered.