a strong, cross-linked network polymer, with clay particles acting as branching points for multiple polymer chain segments. Free radical polymerization used in this context allows the synthesis of polymers from a wide variety of substrates (the chemistries of suitable clays vary). Termination reactions unique to chain growth polymerization produce a material with flexibility, mechanical strength and biocompatibility. Electronics The radical polymer glass PTMA is about 10 times more electrically conductive than common semiconducting polymers. PTMA is in a class of electrically active polymers that could find use in transparent solar cells, antistatic and antiglare coatings for mobile phone displays, antistatic coverings for aircraft to protect against lightning strikes, flexible flash drives, and thermoelectric devices, which convert electricity into heat and the reverse. Widespread practical applications require increasing conductivity another 100 to 1,000 times. The polymer was created using deprotection, which involves replacing a specific hydrogen atom in the pendant group with an oxygen atom. The resulting oxygen atom in PTMA has one unpaired electron in its outer shell, making it amenable to transporting charge. The deprotection step can lead to four distinct chemical functionalities, two of which are promising for increasing conductivity. See also Anionic addition polymerization Chain-growth polymerisation Chain transfer Cobalt-mediated radical polymerization Living polymerization Nitroxide mediated radical polymerization Polymer Polymerization Reversible-deactivation radical polymerization Step-growth polymerization References External links Addition Polymerization Free Radical Polymerization (video animation) Free Radical Polymerization - Chain Transfer Free Radical Vinyl Polymerization The Polymerization of Alkenes Polymer Synthesis Radical Reaction Chemistry Stable Free Radical Polymerization Reaction mechanisms Polymerization reactions