Backbone Degradable Polymers via Chain-growth Radical Polymerization
摘要
Chain-growth radical polymerization of vinyl monomers is essential for producing a wide range of materials with properties tailored to specific applications. However, the inherent resistance of the polymer’s C—C backbone to degradation raises significant concerns regarding long-term environmental persistence, which also limits their potential in biomedical applications. To address these challenges, researchers have developed strategies to either degrade preexisting vinyl polymers or incorporate cleavable units into the backbone to modify them with enhanced degradability. This review explores the various approaches aimed at achieving backbone degradability in chain-growth radical polymerization of vinyl monomers, while also highlighting future research directions for the development of application-driven degradable vinyl polymers.