title: Fenton-RAFT Polymerization: An "On-Demand" Chain-Growth Method.
abstract: Fine control over the architecture and/or microstructure of synthetic polymers is fast becoming a reality owing to the development of efficient and versatile polymerization techniques and conjugation reactions. However, the transition of these syntheses to automated, programmable, and high-throughput operating systems is a challenging step needed to translate the vast potential of precision polymers into machine-programmable polymers for biological and functional applications. Chain-growth polymerizations are particularly appealing for their ability to form structurally and chemically well-defined macromolecules through living/controlled polymerization techniques. Even using the latest polymerization technologies, the macromolecular engineering of complex functional materials often requires multi-step syntheses and purification of intermediates, and results in sub-optimal yields. To develop a proof-of-concept of a framework polymerization technique that is readily amenable to automation requires several key characteristics. In this study, a new approach is described that is believed to meet these requirements, thus opening avenues toward automated polymer synthesis.
authors.affiliation: Polymer Science Group, Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia.
authors.forename: Amin
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Reyhani
authors.affiliation: Polymer Science Group, Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia.
authors.forename: Thomas G
authors.identifier: http://orcid.org/0000-0002-1400-485X
authors.initials: TG
authors.lastname: McKenzie
authors.affiliation: Polymer Science Group, Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia.
authors.forename: Hadi
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Ranji-Burachaloo
authors.affiliation: Polymer Science Group, Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia.
authors.forename: Qiang
authors.initials: Q
authors.lastname: Fu
authors.affiliation: Polymer Science Group, Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia.
authors.forename: Greg G
authors.initials: GG
authors.lastname: Qiao
keywords: RAFT; fenton; hydroxyl radicals; programmable polymer synthesis; radical polymerization