Polymeric peroxides: Synthesis, characterization, degradation and applications.

Abstract

Utilization of natural resources in energy and material applications is receiving increasing attention due to their ready availability and low cost. Herein we have reviewed the use of molecular oxygen (O2) from environment as a monomer for the synthesis of various types of polymeric peroxides, also known as polyperoxides. A variety of polyperoxides have been synthesized by conventional free radical, solid-state insertion, and condensation polymerization techniques. These polyperoxides display a wide range of physical and chemical properties, such as highly exothermic degradation and auto-combustibility, which show promise as alternatives to petroleum-based fuels. Also, they find various other applications; as free radical initiator, curatives, dismantlable adhesives, drug carrier, coating and molding precursors, etc. This review summarizes the major synthesis pathways that are employed in the preparation of different types of polyperoxides, their physiochemical behaviors and applications, as well as recent developments in this area and future potential applications of these materials.