Problems of the Chemistry of Thermostable Organic Polymers

The effect of π-electron delocalisation, due to polyconjugation in macromolecular structures, on the thermal and thermo-oxidative stability of polymers is surveyed, and data are given indicating that thermal oxidation is activated by the centres produced by the rupture of strained chemical bonds during thermolysis. Certain general problems and advantages in the synthesis of polyconjugated thermostable oligomers and high polymers are discussed. A list of 76 references is included.