Review article

Spacer groups in macromolecular structures

Zvonimir JANOVIĆ ; University of Zagreb, Faculty of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Zagreb
Ante JUKIĆ ; University of Zagreb, Faculty of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Zagreb
Otto VOGL ; University of Massachusetts, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering

Abstract

Spacer groups are often an essential part of polymer structures, particularly functional polymers. Many physical, chemical and biological properties depend strongly on their size. They provide fl exibility and fabricability in highly rigid polymers. They also provide accessibility of functional groups, crystallization of side chains, separation of groups from the main chain for effi cient chemical reactions and other characteristics. They can be found in natural polymers where fl exible spacer groups provide essential links for the stability of polypeptide structures. In our research work we have studied the effects of fl exible side chains for side chain crystallization and fl exible side groups for reactivity on synthetic polymers, particularly, polyaldehydes, polyolefi ns, poly(ethylene oxides), poly(ω-alkenoic acid esters) and poly(alkyl methacrylates). Ultimately, we have shown some interest in how fl exible links behave because of their oligomeric nature. The importance of short spacer groups on the crystallization of stereoregular polymers could possibly influence the stereospecifi city of the addition to the catalyst site, for example, in propylene polymerization. In this paper we are trying to show, on a few demonstrative examples, the importance of spacer groups in macromolecular structures.

Keywords

functional polymers; polyaldehydes; poly(alkyl methacrylates); poly(ethylene oxides); polymer structure; polyolefins; poly(ω-alkenoic acid esters); spacer groups

Hrčak ID:

55901

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/55901

Publication date:

14.7.2010.

Article data in other languages: croatian

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