Abstract
The use of polymeric products such as reactive and functionalized polymers has become much greater than other materials such as metals for their superior properties such as corrosion resistance, high impact resistance, low density and light weight. Functional polymers are macromolecules that have unique properties based on the presence of chemical functional groups that are not similar to those of the pre-existing backbone chains. Chemical heterogeneity in the polymer chains increases the reactivity of the polymer and prevents phase separation of polymer mixtures. Polymer functionalization is used to impart new characteristics such as chemical, biophysical, physicochemical or optoelectronic properties to the desired polymer. With this in mind, the polymeric products can be classified into thermoset and thermoplastics. Crumb rubber is the most popular thermoset polymer, while thermoplastic polymers are represented by a wide range of plastic materials such as poly(ethylene terephthalate), low density poly(ethylene), high density poly(ethylene), poly(styrene), poly(propylene), poly(urethane), nylon, poly(carbonate), resins and phenolic compounds. In recent decades, concern about the problem of waste in the world and its effect on the environment has increased. The creation of non-decomposing waste, such as polymers combined with an ever-growing consumer population, has led to a waste disposal crisis. One of the solutions to this crisis lies in recycling waste polymers into useful products. This chapter gives an overview about the recycling of reactive polymers including the different synthesis methods and applications of this type of polymers. The synthesis methods include post-polymerization functionalization, coordination polymerization, as well as free radical, anionic and cationic procedures. This chapter also highlights the fields of application of functional polymers, including surface modifications of polymers, as well as polymer nanoparticles to be suitable for use in extra-technical industries such as membranes, biomedical equipments, among others. The surface modification will include both plasma and ultraviolet (UV) irradiation, atomic layer deposition, electrochemistry, oxidation, reduction, hydrolysis, use of radicals and grafting ‘on’ or ‘from’ polymers. Finally, this chapter provides an updated survey on the recovery and recycling of reactive and functional polymers. Other diverse options for the management of polymer waste can be done via reuse, chemical and mechanical recycling, as well as the possible application of recycled polymers in different applications such as building construction, road paving, and various other industrial applications were discussed here.
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