Advances in the synthesis of silyl-modified polymers (SMPs)

Silyl-modified polymers (SMPs) are alkoxysilyl functionalized polymers of high importance both academically and industrially. SMPs are being developed for coating, adhesive, sealant and elastomer applications. In this paper, emphasis is placed first on the different chemical modification approaches available to tackle the synthesis of SMPs by in situ functionalization (ISF) and post-polymerization functionalization (PPF) routes, with their pros and cons being underlined. Recent progress and modern trends towards alkoxysilyl telechelic polyenes and polyolefins by olefin metathesis strategies are next discussed. The state-of-the-art of alkoxysilyl functionalized polymers, especially of telechelic ones, delineated according to the latter two main synthetic pathways, is then covered along with their subsequent curing, and is illustrated by selected examples including, in particular, polyenes, polyolefins and some other selected relevant polymers.