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ABSTRACT (Maximum 200 words)Polyphosphazenes are among the most versatile of all polymers. This is a consequence of the unique properties of the phosphorus-nitrogen backbone and the ease with which a wide range of different side groups can be introduced mainly by macromolecular substitution, but also by the polymerization of different "monomers". This field has reached a stage where the fundamental chemistry now allows the design and synthesis of a broad range of new materials that are valuable for properties such as elasticity, high refractive index, liquid crystallinity, ferroelectric-, NLO-, and photochromic attributes, and for uses as solid ionic conductors, biomedical microencapsulation polymers, and materials with controlled surface properties. Polyphosphazenes are among the most versatile of all polymers. This is a consequence of the unique properties of the phosphorus-nitrogen backbone and the ease with which a wide range of different side groups can be introduced mainly by macromolecular substitution, but also by the polymerization of different "monomers". This field has reached a stage where the fundamental chemistry now allows the design and synthesis of a broad range of new materials that are valuable for properties such as elasticity, high refractive index, liquid crystallinity, ferroelectric-, NLO-, and photochromic attributes, and for uses as solid ionic conductors, biomedical microencapsulation polymers, and materials with controlled surface properties.
Inorganic-Organic Polymers as Components of New MaterialsMaterials science covers a very broad range of substances within the four main classical categories of ceramics, metals, semiconductors/electro-optical solids, and petrochemical polymers.Most of the examples in the first three categories are inorganic ip composition, while the last is mainly organic.All four have advantages and disadvanges. For example, the totally inorganic materials are heavy, often britttle, and difficult to fabricate. On the other hand, conventional polymers are tough and easy to fabricate but are unstable at elevated temperatures and lack many of the interesting electrical and optical properties of the inorganic materials.The main concept behind the current interest in inorganic or inorganic-organic polymers is that they may provide a means for the preparation of new materials that combine the advantages and minimize the disadvantages of the classical materials. Thus, the long term interest lies in the d...