Importance

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Abstract

The present invention relates generally to a grafting process comprising the formation of a grafted polymeric structure having a substrate polymer in hybrid formation with one or more of the same or other polymers or monomeric subunits thereof. More particularly, the present invention contemplates a method of generating a homogenous or heterogenous grafted polymer by inducing or otherwise facilitating free radical formation to initiate polymerization of monomer units corresponding to the same or different polymers to a substrate polymer previously subjected to physical stress means. The resulting hybrid polymer may comprise a substrate polymer and a population of a second or further polymers in homogenous or heterogenous hybrid formation with the substrate polymer. A homogenous population includes a grafted population of the same polymer whereas a heterogenous population comprises a grafted population of two or more different polymers. The homogenous or heterogenous population may be in a random or patterned array and may be regarded, in one embodiment, as reactive or interactive centres for solid phase organic synthesis and binding of polymeric and/or chemically interactive molecules. The present invention also discloses a method to render polymers, previously regarded as not being suitable material for graft formation, capable of receiving a graft polymer in a heterogenous or homogenous fashion. Thus, the instant invention permits the production of a new range of hybrid polymer including copolymer materials and blends of polymers.

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First Claim