Template polymerization is a new field in polymer synthesis but common practice in the biosynthesis since DNA is the most popular template or matrix on which proteins are built by living species. This field is relevant to the synthesis of polymers of controlled structure but its application goes beyond the synthesis. Materials are formulated in complex mixtures always containing components which can be regarded as templates on which other materials are formed, modified, or are interacted with. In the new product development the relevance of these phenomena is controlled by the order of addition which affects probabilities and preferences of interaction.

The current publication outlines mechanisms of template polymerization, polycondensation, and copolymerization. These mechanisms, illustrated with numerous examples, indicate a range of possibilities which can be encountered in materials and utilized to modify their properties. Orientation of substrates on template and their effect on modification of their reactivity and properties such as, for example, absorption of light or water are also discussed. Several chapters contain information on these studies discussed with sufficient detail to give reader comprehensive understanding of the methods used in various research laboratories and their findings.

Kinetics of template polymerization is discussed from both theoretical and analytical sides. First the kinetic equations which are useful in the analysis of template polymerization are discussed. The theories quoted were verified by the experiments. The chapter contains data on several groups of typical reaction mechanisms. This chapter is followed by the discussion of properties of materials which are obtained in template polymerization. These products are compared with materials made from similar monomers but without the advent of a template.

Several ideas are given regarding potential applications of this interesting technology. The book is completed by the in-depth, expert discussion of methods which can be applied to study template polymerization. Similar methods and techniques can be applied to study the effect of materials in multicomponent mixtures from which commercial products are manufactured. This may allow one to understand various properties observed in multicomponent systems.

This book concentrates on the subject of the template (matrix) polymerization but it is a relevant source of information for those involved in any aspect of polymer synthesis, processing, and application. Since it is written in very direct manner by one of the leading experts in this technology, the book can be used in a university classroom, by researcher, engineer in production, or any other person who wants to understand what happens when materials interact with each other.