NEW COMB-LIKE POLYMERS - SYNTHESIS, STRUCTURES AND REACTIVITY

Comb-like polymers have been widely investigated mainly to correlate t heir structures with the thermal behaviour. Our interests are directed on the synthesis of new types of comb-like polymers bearing reactive groups in the side chains, main chain or as end groups. One part of th e investigations deals with the behaviour of photosensible polymers co ntaining azobenzene, cinnamic acid and mesoionic moieties. The use of enzymes as catalysts for the synthesis of new methacrylic derivatives and for the modification of polymers illustrates a fascinating contrib ution to polymer chemistry. The classical Diels-Alder addition was als o used for the synthesis and modification of polymers. Finally, the co nstruction of polymers containing rotaxanes in the side chains is pres ented.