Abstract

The preparation, properties, use, and characterization of synthetic copolymers is reviewed and future trends are discussed. The different copolymer structures are detailed and the nomenclature is explained. The copolymerization reactions (free radical including controlled free radical, anionic, cationic, ring-opening, catalytic, and step growth) are discussed emphasizing the copolymer structures attainable through each polymerization mechanism. Industrially important random, alternating, block, graft, star, and hyperbranched copolymers are discussed in terms of the processes used to produce them and the properties achieved. Their main uses and trade names are also detailed. Future trends are discussed.