RAFT alcoholic dispersion polymerization with polymerization-induced self-assembly

This article reviews the current state of the art with respect to RAFT alcoholic dispersion polymerization processes that proceed with polymerization-induced self-assembly (PISA) and covers the bulk of the literature up to mid-2016. The article is arranged according to suitable comonomers that may employed in such copolymerizations. Where appropriate we have highlighted unusual nanoparticle morphologies that are accessible, and formulation specific, as well as interesting properties associated with certain final nano-objects. [Display omitted] •RAFT dispersion polymerization with polymerization-induced self-assembly (PISA) proceeds in a range of alcoholic solvents.•Nanoparticles of ‘common’ and complex morphology are readily accessible.•Nano-objects responsive to changes in temperature and/or pH can be prepared.•Reversible order-order and order-disorder transitions have been observed.