A research team led by Gaoyuan Yu and Dian-Feng Chen has developed a new process for controlled radical cyclopolymerisation. The focus is on novel methacrylate and acrylamide crotonate hybrid monomers that are polymerised under visible light. The cyclic structure gives the polymers special properties, for example in terms of flexibility or stability, which makes them interesting for functional coatings and special applications. Reading tip: Functional CoatingsThe EC Tech Report “Functional Coatings” gives you an up-to-date bundle on functional coatings with articles, videos and other handpicked content. Light intensity and additives control polymer growthAnother key finding of the study is the high degree of control over the polymer architecture.