Current trends in investigations into the microheterogeneous mechanism of three-dimensional radical polymerisation

Data on the kinetics and mechanism of the three-dimensional radical polymerisation of multifunctional vinyl monomers (oligomers) containing two (or more) double bonds are generalised and analysed. The history of this field of research is briefly outlined. The characteristic feature of the mechanism of three-dimensional radical polymerisation, i.e., microheterogeneity, is considered. Special attention is focused on recent advances (last decade) in studies of three-dimensional radical polymerisation associated with the development of new techniques (fiber-optic techniques, information technologies, etc.). Consideration is given to methodological aspects of kinetic experiments in highly cross-linked reaction media in which three-dimensional radical polymerisation proceeds.