Applications of Hybrid Polymers Generated from Living Anionic Ring Opening Polymerization

Increasingly precise control of polymer architectures generated by “Living” Anionic Ring-Opening Polymerization (Living AROP) is leading to a broad range commercial advanced material applications, particularly in the area siloxane macromers. While academic reports on such materials remain sparse, significant portion global population interacts with them daily basis—in applications including medical devices, microelectronics, food packaging, synthetic leather, release coatings, and pigment dispersions. The primary driver this increased utilization macromers their ability incorporate properties silicones into organic structures balanced manner. Compared polymers, differentiating silicones—low Tg, hydrophobicity, low surface energy, high free molal space—logically lend themselves which modulus, release, permeability oxygen moisture, tactile interaction are desired. However, mechanical, structural processing have until recently precluded practical applications. This review presents AROP derived polymers from perspective historical technology development. Applications products produced scale—defined as not only offered for sale, but sold recurrent basis—are emphasized. Hybrid intriguing nanoscale morphology potential photoresist, microcontact printing, biomimetic soft materials, liquid crystals also discussed. Previously unreported work authors provided context review.