Scientists developing polymers and plastics.

What is RAFT: controlling polymer synthesis at the molecular level

CSIRO, together with the DuPont company, has developed an innovative and world-class technology, known as RAFT, which allows the synthesis of specifically crafted polymeric materials with enhanced properties and utility.

• 19 October 2007 | Updated 14 October 2011

• RAFT technology
• RAFT uses
• The RAFT process
• RAFT: more information

RAFT technology

RAFT (Reversible Addition-Fragmentation chain Transfer) technology is a very sophisticated form of controlled free radical polymerisation.

Often referred to as ‘living polymerisation’, because it can be stopped and restarted at anytime, this pioneering technology enables the synthesis of tailored polymers with unprecedented control over composition and architecture.

RAFT uses

RAFT technology offers the polymer chemist the benefit of being able to more readily synthesise polymers:

• with predetermined molecular weight and narrow molecular weight distributions over a wide range of monomers and reaction conditions
• with reactive terminal groups that can be purposely manipulated, including further polymerisation,
• with complex architecture, including:
  • A B diblock polymers
  • A B A triblock polymers
  • graft polymers
  • star polymers
  • gradient polymers
  • branched polymers
• that is based on scaleable manufacturing processes utilizing conventional processing equipment.

RAFT technology can be used with a wide range of monomers and monomer mixtures, that is, feedstock materials, and can be used in all modes of free radical polymerisation, including:

• solution
• emulsion
• suspension polymerizations.

With freedom of this degree, the polymer chemist can produce an unlimited array of tailored compositions and complex architectures under standard conditions.

The RAFT process

Implementing the RAFT process can be as simple as introducing a suitable chain transfer agent, known as a RAFT Agent into conventional free radical polymerisation, while employing conventional plant and equipment.

The RAFT Agents allow for the preparation of polymers with low polydispersity, well-defined microstructure and predetermined molecular weight. 

As the newly formed polymer is terminated by an active RAFT group, thereby rendering it a RAFT Agent in its own right, it is capable of undergoing further polymerisation reactions or can be subjected to other chemical manipulations

Incorporation of the RAFT Agent in the final polymer obviates the need for its removal, thereby simplifying the isolation and purification of the final polymer product.

The RAFT process is a user and, environmentally friendly process that does not require expensive and contaminating additives unlike other controlled free radical polymerisation processes (for example, Atom Transfer Radical Polymerisation, ATRP).

RAFT: more information

• RAFT process on a molecular level video
  This video shows just one polymer chain being created from the addition of a monomer to the Resersible Addition-Fragmentation chain Transfer (RAFT) agent.
• A video presentation on CSIRO's RAFT technology
  This video showcases Resersible Addition-Fragmentation chain Transfer (RAFT) technology.
• What is RAFT: a presentation
  A presentation detailing RAFT technology, a very sophisticated form of controlled free radical polymerisation.

Find out more about RAFT Technology.