ABSTRACT

The application of microwave-assisted heating in organic chemistry,

and especially in polymer science, received widespread attention

during the initial decade of the millennium. With the availability

of dedicated laboratory equipment, which offers accurate control

over reaction conditions and safety measures, microwave-assisted

heating nowadays has become a well-established method for fast

and efficient syntheses. In polymer chemistry, dielectric heating

offers an excellent pathway for accelerated polymerization reac-

tions, especially for polymer classes known for slow propagation

rates under conventional conditions. Following a thorough review

about the application of microwave reactors in polymer chemistry,

published in 2011 [1], this chapter focuses on the developments in

the field since 2010.