Frontal Free-Radical Polymerization: Applications to Materials Synthesis

Frontal polymerization involves the conversion of monomer to polymer in a localized reaction zone that propagates due to the interplay of thermal conduction and temperature-dependent reaction rates. The localization of reactions and the fast increase in temperature are the key features that allow for the rapid synthesis of a wealth of polymer systems with spatially controlled microstructures and morphologies. The conditions for the existence of a stable frontal regime are considered, accompanied by other factors that affect the homogeneity of the product formed. Finally, the application of frontal polymerization in synthesizing uniform composites, hydrogels, simultaneous interpenetrating networks, copolymers, blends, and functional gradient materials is explored.