Reversible deactivation radical polymerization of bio-based dienes

Dienes such as isoprene and butadiene have long been used to impart rubbery character into polymeric materials, often by homopolymerization as blends with stiffer polymers or by copolymerization with other monomers. Examples of such products are styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR), acrylonitrile-butadiene rubber (NBR) and the triblock copolymer families such as the various poly(styrene)-b-poly(isoprene)-b-poly(styrene) (SIS) thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs). Isoprene and butadiene are derived from petroleum-based resources and like other products, emphasis on their production has shifted towards using renewable resources. Consequently, bio-based monomers such as myrcene and farnesene have been targeted as replacements for petroleum-based dienes in polymeric products and have been polymerized to make polymers with controlled microstructures via traditional ionic polymerizations. More recently, alternatives to living polymerization such as reversible deactivation radical polymerization (RDRP) offer the advantages of conventional radical polymerization without the stringent requirements required of living polymerizations. The application of bio-based dienes to RDRP has only recently started to emerge and this review will summarize the current state of applying RDRP to make polymeric materials with controlled microstructure and chain length, as well as an outlook on potential applications of biobased dienes.

Automated summary

Dienes such as isoprene and butadiene are commonly used to give rubbery properties to polymeric materials. With a shift towards using renewable resources, bio-based monomers have been targeted as replacements for petroleum-based dienes in polymer production. Recent advancements in reversible deactivation radical polymerization (RDRP) have enabled the application of bio-based dienes in making polymeric materials with controlled microstructures and chain lengths.