Polyolefin copolymers containing p-methylstyrene units; preparation by metallocene catalysts and application in the functionalization of polyolefins

Poly(p-methylstyrene) can be easily incorporated into polyolefins due to its versatility to access a broad range of functional groups. The benzylic protons are ready for many chemical reactions, such as halogenation, metallation, and oxidation, which can introduce functional groups at the benzylic position under mild reaction conditions. In addition, metallated p-MS group can be further converted to many desirable functional groups, such as -COOH, -Br, -OH, -SH, -NH₂, epoxy and silanes. The functionalized polyolefins are very useful interfacial reagents to promote the adhesion between polyolefins and various substrates, such as glass and metals. In addition, the reactive comonomer units can also serve as the crosslinking sites.