Modeling and theoretical development in controlled radical polymerization

Controlled radical polymerization (CRP) systems have gained increasing interests for the past two decades. Numerous publications may be found in the literature reporting experimental and modeling work on various CRP processes, including their use in surface modification through grafting. Knowledge of underlying mechanism behind polymerization systems is valuable for product design and process optimization. This information may be obtained through the combination of modeling and experimental studies. In this review, published studies on kinetic and stochastic based modeling for CRP systems are summarized. Their relevance in model discrimination of proposed mechanisms is discussed. This review also includes various parameter estimation studies, that is crucial to obtain accurate simulation predictions. Existing issues on the fundamental mechanism in CRP processes are also addressed.