Material Properties of Functional Polyethylenes from Transition-Metal-Catalyzed Ethylene–Polar Monomer Copolymerization

Abstract

Polyethylenes enjoy wide applications due to their many superior properties. The incorporation of some polar functional groups into the otherwise nonpolar polyethylene backbone can significantly improve many important properties and further broaden their applications. During the past few decades, many catalyst systems have been demonstrated with the capabilities of copolymerizing ethylene with polar monomers. As a result, numerous polar functionalized polyethylenes have been prepared bearing various polar groups. However, the studies into material properties of functional polyethylenes from transition-metal-catalyzed ethylene–polar monomer copolymerization have not received much attention until recently. After some brief discussions of selected examples of potent catalysts and suitable polar monomers, this Perspective summarizes some recent advances in the improvements in surface and compatibilities properties (hydrophilicity, adhesion, dyeability, and compatibility with other types of polymers) induced through polar group incorporation as well as some custom-made properties such as elastic, flame-retardant, antibacterial, antioxidant, cross-linking, self-healing, light response, dynamic cross-linking, and photodegradation properties.