Examples of Inorganic and Organometallic Polymers

Abstract

Organic polymers are the most widely known synthetic polymers, but inorganic and organometallic polymers are promising materials for future applications. This chapter discusses examples of commercially available inorganic and organometallic polymers and those that have played a critical role in advancing the polymer science field. The essence is to prime the students contemplating a career in polymer science and engineering to become familiar with the existing library of polymers that have advanced beyond the laboratory into the market or have great potential to shape innovations within the field. We will discuss these examples under two main sections: polymers incorporating (1) main group elements and (2) transition metals within their main chain (backbone). Cases abound where the element/metal is pendent on the organic backbone (see Chapter 1). Nonetheless, this chapter will focus on those having an inorganic or organometallic moiety within the backbone because they better typify inorganic or organometallic polymers. It should be noted that polymers having pendent inorganic or metallic moieties on an organic backbone still qualify as organometallic polymers (see Chapter 1). Although this aspect in detail is fundamental to the structure and function of the polymer, we will refrain from discussing the chemistry of the element as this information can be found in many inorganic and organometallic chemistry textbooks (see Further Reading) available in most libraries.