| abstract |
Methods for covalently modifying polymeric substances, and various so modified polymers, are disclosed. The methods require a functionalizing reagent comprising molecules each having a nitrenogenic group and a functionalizing group. The functionalizing reagent molecules arc brought into reactive proximity to the polymer molecules and exposed to a reaction-energy source such as photons, electrons, or heat, which converts the nitrenogenic groups to nitrene intermediates that covalently react with -CH, -NH, -OH, -C=C-, C-C, and other groups to cause nitrene addition or insertion of the funtionalizing groups to the polymer molecules. Functionalization can be via a one- or multiple-stage process. |