Abstract: A method for producing polymers with controlled molecular weight and desired end functionalities and the resulting polymers. The method comprises a) forming a microemulsion comprising monomer, water, and an effective amount of an effective surfactant, b) adding to the microemulsion an amount of a water-soluble photo-initiator system wherein the initiator system produces one type of monomer-soluble radical active centers and wherein the radical active centers contain desired end group functionalities for a polymer or oligomer, and c) illuminating the microemulsion to photoinitiate polymerization of the monomer wherein the illuminating is according to a temporal and spatial illumination scheme, and wherein the amount of the initiator system and the temporal illumination scheme are chosen to produce a desired molecular weight of the polymer or oligomer. The microemulsion can further comprise an effective amount of an effective co-surfactant. The method can be used to produce polymers and copolymers.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for addressing oxygen inhibition in free radical polymerization systems and determination of oxygen content in a monomer or oligomer. The compositions used include a singlet oxygen generator and a singlet oxygen trapper. Addition of the generator and trapper resulting in removal of oxygen can occur before polymerization or essentially simultaneously with polymerization. Determination of oxygen content comprises monitoring the concentration changes from the reaction of the singlet oxygen trapper with the oxygen in the system.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for addressing oxygen inhibition in free radical polymerization systems and determination of oxygen content in a monomer or oligomer. The compositions used include a singlet oxygen generator and a singlet oxygen trapper. Addition of the generator and trapper resulting in removal of oxygen can occur before polymerization or essentially simultaneously with polymerization. Determination of oxygen content comprises monitoring the concentration changes from the reaction of the singlet oxygen trapper with the oxygen in the system.