Polymer modifications represent a valuable synthetic approach to unique polymer
compositions, structure, and properties not readily available by the direct polymerization of
monomers. Modified polymeric products already exist in the commercial world (modified
celluloses, for example) so the approach is not new. However, it is an interesting and
challenging opportunity to develop new materials for a variety of specialty applications using
the "chemistry on polymers" approach.
This book contains papers presented at the symposium on Polymer Modification held
at the National American Chemical Society Meeting in Orlando, Florida, August, 1996. The
chemistry presented is broad ranging, and includes grafting and chemical oxidation reactions,
and many other chemical modifications.