Functionalization of poly(organophosphazenes) .5. Modification of the physico-chemical properties of poly[bis(4-methylphenoxy)phosphazene] through functionalization with anhydride groups

The radical-induced grafting reaction of maleic anhydride on to poly[bis(4-methylphenoxy)phosphazene] is described and the different experimental parameters able to influence this process (maleic anhydride and peroxide concentrations, reaction time and temperature, molecular oxygen and solvent) are evaluated. The obtained poly[bis(4-methylphenoxy)phosphazene]-graft-succinic anhydride grafted copolymers show an enhanced reactivity toward air moisture, alcohols and amines with respect to the pristine phosphazene macromolecule. These substrates, in fact, are reacted with several organic substances containing free -OH and -NH2 functionalities to obtain new functionalized phosphazene copolymers showing interesting scientific and technological potential.