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Polymer through metathesis process - a path leading to a polymer of unique character

25 Mar 2025 13:30 IST

Polymer through metathesis process - a path leading to a polymer of unique character

Human civilization has utilized polyethylene materials for various daily needs since 1933, when it was developed by Reginald Gibson and produced by ICI, often without a full understanding of its scientific properties. The true nature of this material was first recognized when Hermann Staudinger was awarded the 1953 Nobel Prize in Chemistry for his work on the linear structure of polymers. In the years that followed, numerous scientists contributed to the understanding of various polymer characteristics through their groundbreaking research, significantly enhancing knowledge in this vital area of study that benefits humanity (see Table 1). Globally, polymers have established a unique role across all aspects of human activity, leading to the perception of their indispensability, despite some associated drawbacks. In India, the application of polymers has also made significant progress in various fields. However, the country has struggled to develop its scientific research capabilities to keep pace with advancements in polymer research (see Table 1). The newly developed materials are now addressing the demands of many contemporary challenging applications.

Table1
History of nobel prize in polymer field.




The field of polymer metathesis represents a distinctive area of research and development. Advancements in this domain can lead to the creation of next-generation materials that meet the demands of various applications, including biomaterials, electronics, and drug delivery systems. In the realm of polymer production, metathesis—particularly ring-opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP)—is a prevalent chemical process utilized to generate polymers with specific structures and functionalities by rearranging the double bonds of cyclic monomers. This technique enables the synthesis of intricate polymers with customized properties that are unattainable through conventional polymerization methods. Such capabilities are especially beneficial for the development of high-performance materials tailored for specific uses, such as biomaterials, electronics, and drug delivery systems. Recently, the application of ring-opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP) to seven-membered cyclic phosphates, phosphonates, and phosphamides has been reported, resulting in the formation of linear polymers.



Reports indicate that the Grubbs third generation catalyst yields optimal results for the production of polyphosphates (pol-140). Both natural and synthetic polymers play a crucial role in enhancing human comfort and convenience, as they are integral to various aspects of life, including healthcare, nutrition, communication, transportation, irrigation, packaging, clothing, construction, and infrastructure. Only polymers with specific characteristics can address the unique challenges presented in each of these fields. This necessity drives the continuous growth of research in polymer science.

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Author
Dr. Subhas C. Shit, Ex principal Director
Central Institute of Plastics Engineering & Technology (CIPET)

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