| abstract |
A process for polymerization of vinyl monomers is described comprising polymerizing vinyl monomers in the presence of an initiating system comprising (i) an organic iodide, organic bromide, organic chloride, or an organic sulfur initiator compound, and (ii) a layered material catalyst, and wherein when the initiator compound comprises an organic bromide or organic chloride compound, the initiating system further comprises an iodide or sulfur containing salt compound or a transition metal salt. The present invention provides a novel method for living polymerization of vinyl monomers, which provides a high level of macromolecular control over the polymerization process and which leads to uniform and controllable polymeric products, which may include well-defined structures and complex architectures. |