Graft copolymers containing poly(3-hydroxyalkanoates) — A review on their synthesis, properties, and applications

Abstract

The use of the poly(3-hydroxyalkanoates) in copolymer synthesis has received much interest, as the microbial polyester segments can bring interesting properties, such as biodegradability and biocompatibility. The synthesis, properties, and applications of graft copolymers containing poly(3-hydroxyalkanoates) as main chain or branches are reviewed here, with emphasis on the different preparation methods, which fit into the three main synthesis strategies of graft copolymers: “grafting onto”, “grafting from”, and “grafting through” or macromonomer methods.Key words: poly(3-hydroxyalkanoates), graft copolymer, synthesis, properties, applications.