Abstract: This invention concerns the preparation of polymers of low polydispersity and/or controlled molecular weight and architecture employing living free radical polymerization initiated by an alkoxyamine initiator or nitroxide plus, optionally a free radical initiator, the polymer produced thereby; selected nitroxide and alkoxyamine initiators; and a process for making the initiators; the polymeric products being useful in protective coatings.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for preparing compositions comprising terminally unsaturated polymers of low molecular weight, referred to as oligomers or macromonomers. In particular, a first oligomer composition is obtained by free radical polymerization of a reaction mixture comprising monomers. Terminally unsaturated oligomers in the first oligomer composition, or a selected portion of the composition, are reinitiated into free radicals in order to continue their oligomerization to a desired endpoint. The process is useful for preparing an oligomer composition having a controlled degree of polymerization. The process is also useful for preparing block copolymers. Such oligomer compositions or block polymers are useful for preparing engineered or structured polymers used in making various end products, including plastics, coatings, films, and dispersants.