ABSTRACT
To obtain block copolymers, the initiating azo compound must be at least bifunctional-it must carry one or more reactive sites other than the azo function itself.
The thermal (or photochemical) decomposition of the azo group gives rise to a radically initiated polymerization. The reactive site F, the transformation site, however, can, depending on its chemical nature, initiate a condensation or addition type reaction. It can also start radical or ionic polymerizations. F may also terminate a polymerization or even enable the azo initiator to act as a monomer in chain polymerizations.
