Functional polymers are polymers with advanced optic and/or electronic properties.
Advantages of functional polymers are low cost, ease of processing and a range of attractive mechanical characteristics for functional organic molecules. One can adjust properties while keeping material usage low. This opens interesting environmental perspectives. Polymer bound substances can spread their activity without endangering people or the environment. The new REACH (Registration, Evaluation and Authorisation of Chemicals) legislation will require chemical industry to come up with safe chemicals. Functional polymers can help achieve this goal.

Examples of functional polymers are;

• Semiconducting Conjugated Polymers

• Stimuli-Responsive Polymers (these allow for responsive drug delivery systems and smart surfaces for cell culture and regenerative medicine.)

• Biomimetic Materials

• Supramolecular Metallopolymers