Advances in Polymer Chemistry and Methods Reported in Recent US Patents

The objective of this book is to convey to academic and industrial researchers and students advances in synthetic and characterization methods in 9 selected areas of polymer chemistry reported in 2007- 2008 US Patents. Newer bulk anionic, cationic, and free radical polymerization methods will be reviewed and their impact within selected industrial applications such as electronics [photoresists], biomedical/biomaterials [thrompassive agents and drug delivery], and adhesives. In addition bulk and surface crosslinking agents using selected bi- and tri-functional reagents,photochemical methods, or free radical agents will be reviewed. Finally, a separate section on cationic and cationic ring opening polymerization reactions will be included describing di- and tri-heterocyclic monomers and their use in medical devices. In order to more easily access needed information, the text format has been divided into two sections. The first section focuses exclusively on polymerization reactions. Explicit experimental procedures of all intermediates and polymers are provided for each entry as well as material characterization methods. In addition, each entry is extensively referenced with relevant US Patents, method for preparing derivatives and analogues, and product applications. The emphasis of the second section is upon modification of existing polymeric materials. Included in this section is chemically modify existing polymeric agents using well established synthetic organic methods, photochemical reactions, and pyrolysis and thermal rearrangements. Methods for preparing and using crosslinking agents will also be provided.

Thomas F. DeRosa is Assistant Professor of Chemistry at the Borough of Manhattan Community College of the City University of New York.