Progress in Degradation Behavior of Most Common Types of Functionalized Polymers: A Review

Nowadays, degradation of polymeric material is a hot topic, it is either related to environmental considerations to avoid pollution accumulation, or to biomedical applications to reduce the toxicity or to facilitate the excretion of foreign agents in the body. Functionalization is a promising and interesting method to tune polymers degradation kinetics and profiles in a robust and controllable way depending on the targeted application. The incorporation of a functionality to a macromolecule occurs through mainly two strategies: direct functionalization of the corresponding monomers before their polymerization, and postpolymerization modifications that can occur on the side, main or/and end chains of the polymers. Ideally, the lifespan of a material is restricted to the duration of the application, its mechanical and chemical properties do not deteriorate and does not produce toxic byproducts over the degradation process. This review presents the latest advances in polymer functionalization strategies in terms of their impact on the degradation process. Special considerations are given to the main classes of polymers including polyesters, polyurethanes, polyacetals, as well as vinyl-based and phosphorous-derived polymers.