Modification of Macromolecular Substances

Abstract

The term “modification of macromolecular substances” is used for chemical and physical processes that are carried out after the actual synthesis, i.e., on the finished macromolecule. Chemical modifications are, for example, the conversion of ester side groups to hydroxy groups, chemical degradation, and crosslinking reactions. Physical modifications are also of great importance in industrial practice. The utilization of additives to improve the processability (processing agents) or to increase the resistance to oxygen and light (oxidation inhibitors, photostabilizers) are among such modifications. Finally, there are some methods applied in order to modify the mechanical properties of polymers. These include the admixing of inorganic fillers (“filled polymers”), the introduction of inorganic or organic fibers (“reinforced polymers”), the admixing of other polymers (“polymer blends”), as well as stretching and foaming.