Chapter 1
Functional Polymers: An Overview D. N. Schulz and Abhimanyu O. Patil
Downloaded by COLUMBIA UNIV on July 5, 2012 | http://pubs.acs.org Publication Date: May 8, 1998 | doi: 10.1021/bk-1998-0704.ch001
Corporate Research Laboratory, Exxon Research and Engineering Company, Route 22 East, Clinton Township, Annandale, NJ 08801
This chapter surveys the synthesis of functional polymers by direct methods, such as anionic, cationic, free radical and coordination polymerization, as well as post-polymerization functionalization of chains in the bulk or on the surface. Special emphasis is given to more modern techniques that allow for controlled and directed functionalization via "living" polymerization. Moreover, an introduction to typical applications of functional polymers is presented.
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Functional polymers are macromolecules that have unique properties or uses. The properties of such materials are often determined by the presence of chemical functional groups that are dissimilar to those of the backbone chains. Examples are polar or ionic functional groups on hydrocarbon backbones or hydrophobic groups on polar polymer chains. Chemical heterogeneity on the polymer chains can lead to enhanced reactivity, phase separation, or association. The ability of functional polymers to form self-assemblies or supramolecular structures is a further incentive. When the formation or dissociation of the self-assemblies is triggered by chemical or physical stimuli so called "smart" materials can result Most functional polymers are based on simple linear backbones. These can be chain-end (telechelic), in-chain, block or graft structures. However, there has also been interest in functional polymers with special topologies or architectures. These include 3-dimensional polymers, such as stars, hyperbranched polymers, or dendrimers * (treelike structures) (Scheme 1) This chapter surveys the synthesis of functional polymers by direct anionic, cationic, free radical and coordination polymerization, as well as the bulk and surface modification of preformed polymer backbones. Moreover, an introduction to typical applications of functional polymers is presented. 3
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©1998 American Chemical Society In Functional Polymers; Patil, A., et al.; ACS Symposium Series; American Chemical Society: Washington, DC, 1998.
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