Reversible deactivation polymerization

Reversible-deactivation polymerization (RDP) is a form of polymerization propagated by chain carriers the majority of which at any instant are held in a state of dormancy through an equilibrium process involving other species. This ensures that the concentration of active carriers is sufficiently low as to render chain termination reactions negligible. Despite having some common features, it is distinct from living polymerization which requires a complete absence of termination.