Functional Polymers

Abstract

The overwhelming number of known polymers can be basically sub-divided into those for structural applications and those, which come over with specific functions. The former ones as well as the later ones, called Functional Polymers, play important roles since the early days of polymer science and technology. The latter ones, however, usually are not so much characterized by their thermo-mechanical properties, but rather by their inherent functionalities instead, which they develop due to special constitutional features. For example, some of their atoms or groups of atoms may undergo specific interactions with solvents, ions, cells, surfaces, fillers or other polymers. Alternatively, specific optical or electronic properties may result from the molecular and supramolecular architecture of these macromolecules. Polyelectrolytes like poly(acrylic acid) or poly(diallyldimethylammonium chloride), and polymeric stabilizers like polyvinylalcohol or polyethyleneglycol [poly(ethylene oxide), PEO], all of them characteristic examples of functional polymers, are large-scale technical products nowadays. They have found widespread application in e.g. hygiene and cosmetics products. Moreover, polymeric additives and compatibilizers simplify polymer processing and morphology design, and allow the preparation of transparent nanocomposites with improved or even novel property profiles. Photoresins and photoresists are key compounds of photolithography. As such, they are revolutionizing the printing technology, and paved the way for semiconductor and microelectronics industry. In the year 2000, moreover, the Nobel prize was awarded to A. J. Heeger, A. G. MacDiaramid and H. Shirakawa for the development of electrically (semi)conducting polymers, which are key players in our today’s organic (opto)electronic.