TL;DR: The interaction of polymers with their environment depends largely on the functional groups they carry and the placement of functional groups at polymer chain ends or in well-defined segments can determine the ultimate properties.
Abstract: The interaction of polymers with their environment depends largely on the functional groups they carry. Interfaces between different polymers or between polymers and other surfaces can be strengthened through the design of molecular interactions such as hydrogen bonding and through the control of polymer architecture. The placement of functional groups at polymer chain ends or in well-defined segments can determine the ultimate properties. Three-dimensional synthetic polymers such as dendrimers can be fashioned to encapsulate reactive sites or provide highly controlled surfaces and interfaces.
TL;DR: In this paper, a review of the development of addition-fragmentation chain transfer agents and related ring-opening monomers highlighting recent innovation in these areas is presented, including dithioesters, trithiocarbonates, dithioco-baramates and xanthates.
TL;DR: Atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) is one of the most successful methods to polymerize styrenes, (meth)acrylates and a variety of other monomers in a controlled fashion, yielding polymers with molecular weights predetermined by the ratio of the concentrations of consumed monomer to introduced initiator and with low polydispersities as discussed by the authors.