Aqueous-phase catalytic hydrogenation of unsaturated polymers

• Catalytic hydrogenation of unsaturated polymers in aqueous media.
• General introduction for the unsaturated polymers.
• Basic chemistry and general features of the latex hydrogenation process.
• Various catalyst systems and technology processes for latex hydrogenation.

Unsaturated polymers are a broad group of synthetic and natural polymers that have numerous important commercial applications. The chemical modification of unsaturated polymers via catalytic hydrogenation has led to a number of high-performance elastomers (speciality high-priced products). Recently, considerable attention has grown on carrying out the catalytic hydrogenation in the green aqueous phase to meet the global expectations for green chemistry and chemical sustainability. Herein an overview is provided which focuses on the recent advances toward the development of green and economical catalyst systems and process technologies for catalytic hydrogenation of unsaturated polymers in aqueous media. A general introduction for the unsaturated polymers is first presented, which is then followed by the basic chemistry and general features of the latex hydrogenation process. This article reviews the various types of catalyst systems and technology processes for realization of latex hydrogenation of polymers.

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