Abstract:
Compositions of polyphosphazene-containing polymers and methods of preparation thereof are provided. The disclosed compositions encompass telechelic functionalized polyphosphazenes and a variety of block and graft polyphosphazene-polystyrene, polyphosphazene-polysiloxane, and polyphosphazene-ROMP of norbornene copolymers. Methods for the preparation of such compositions generally involve generation of a polydichlorophosphazene species, attachment of a function group to the resultant polyphosphazene compound, and coupling the functionalized polyphosphazene with a corresponding organic or inorganic polymers or polymerizing the functionalized polyphosphazene with corresponding organic molecules.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     Priority is claimed to U.S. Provisional Applications No. 60/144,848; No. 60/144,944; No. 60/144,945; and No. 60/144,951; all filed Jul. 21, 1999, as well as to U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/171,327, filed Dec. 21, 1999. 
    
    
     STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH 
     The government has certain rights in this invention by virtue of grants from Federal Aviation Administration (Grant No. 99-G-0013) and National Science Foundation of Polymers Program (Grant No. DMR-9812389). 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to copolymers containing components of polyphosphazene as part of the copolymer backbone or as a sidegroup. 
     Polyphosphazene-containing polymers have been used in applications in the field of biomedical materials, conductive polymers, and elastomers. Polyphosphazene-containing polymers are also of general interest because of their capability to combine with another polymer, either organic or inorganic, incorporating the properties and advantages of the two polymer components without sacrificing the overall chemical, physical, and mechanical properties of each component. For instance, the synthesis of hybrid block and graft copolymers of polyphosphazenes and polystyrene is a way to combine the attributes of both polymers and generate new properties. Many of the valuable properties of the respective phosphazene and styrene homopolymers can be combined without sacrificing the overall solid state or solution properties of both polystyrene and polyphosphazene polymers. For example, block or graft copolymers of polyphosphazenes and polystyrene have improved fire resistance compared to polystyrene alone. 
     Thus far, efforts to combine polyphosphazenes with another polymer backbone to form a copolymer to take advantage of the attributes of each component has had only very limited success. For instance, the incorporation of organosiloxanes and polyphosphazenes into one material, although successful, has not resulted in linear phosphazene-siloxane block copolymers combining the attributes of the two inorganic backbone systems. Moreover, until recently, the preparation of block copolymers containing polyphosphazenes, has been limited to species with two phosphazene components. The synthesis of telechelic polyphosphazenes which may be used to couple with preformed organic polymers has proved to be difficult. 
     Traditionally, block copolymers have been synthesized via sequential polymerization of different monomers. However, the limited number of compatible initiating monomers places limits on the number of copolymers that can be synthesized by the sequential method. It therefore would be advantageous to develop an approach that can readily incorporate polyphosphazenes along with other polymeric systems to yield copolymers having the advantages of both polymeric components. 
     Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide methods for the synthesis of telechelic polyphosphazenes for the purposes of making polyphosphazene-containing organic-inorganic copolymers. 
     It is another object of the present invention to provide synthetic methods for the preparation of polymeric compositions that contain a polyphosphazene component. 
     It is another object of the present invention to provide methods for combining a polyphosphazene backbone with another polymeric backbone to form new copolymers. 
     It is a further object of the present invention to provide a method to modify polyphosphazenes with various functional groups to provide polyphosphazene polymers with different chemical and physical properties. 
     It is still another object of the present invention to provide methods to prepare polyphosphazene compositions which are readily incorporated into other polymeric compositions. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Compositions of polyphosphazene-containing polymers and methods of preparation thereof are provided. The compositions may contain either organic or inorganic components. A large variety of organic side groups can be further incorporated as sidegroups on the polyphosphazene to tailor the properties of these materials. Exemplary polymeric compositions which can be incorporated include polystyrene, polysiloxanes, polynorbornene, poly(methyl methacrylate), polyolefins, polydienes, and polyethylenes. 
     Methods for the preparation of compositions of polyphosphazene-containing polymers generally involve the steps of generation of a poly(dihalophosphazene) species, attachment of a functional group to the resultant polyphosphazene compound, and coupling the functionalized polyphosphazene with a corresponding organic or inorganic polymer or polymerizing the functionalized polyphosphazene with corresponding organic molecules. A large number of polyphosphazene-containing polymers can be prepared accordingly. 
     The polyphosphazene compositions disclosed are useful as elastomers, optical materials, electrically conductive materials, biomedical materials, compatibilizing agents, surfactants, additives for coatings, and as flame retardants. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     FIG. 1 illustrates one embodiment of the method for the preparation of monotelechelic norbornenyl polyphosphazenes. 
     FIG. 2 illustrates one embodiment of the method for the preparation of ditelechelic norbornenyl polyphosphazenes. 
     FIG. 3 illustrates one embodiment of the method for the preparation of polynaphthoxyl-polyphosphazene block copolymers. 
     FIG. 4 illustrates one embodiment of the method for the preparation of a polystyrene-polyphosphazene block copolymer. 
     FIG. 5 illustrates one embodiment of the method for the preparation of a polystyrene-graft-polyphosphazene copolymer. 
     FIG. 6 illustrates one embodiment of the method for the preparation of a polystyrene-block-polyphosphazene copolymer. 
     FIG. 7 illustrates one embodiment of the method for the preparation of polynorborne with pendent phosphoranimine groups. 
     FIG. 8 illustrates one embodiment for the preparation of a polynorbornene-graft-polyphosphazene copolymer. 
     FIG. 9 illustrates one embodiment of the method for the preparation of a polyphosphazene-polysiloxane copolymer. 
     FIG. 10 illustrates one embodiment of the method for the preparation of a polyphosphazene-polysiloxane copolymer. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Methods have been developed for making a variety of useful polyphosphazene-containing polymers. Examples of the polymers which can be made include telechelic polyphosphazenes, polyphosphazene-poly-olefin copolymers, polyphosphazene-ROMP polymers of norbornene, and polyphosphazene and polysiloxane copolymers. 
     I. Definitions 
     The term “living polymer” as used herein means to a polymer molecule which has an active terminal unit which is capable of reacting or polymerizing monomer. 
     The term “copolymer” as used herein means a polymer having at least two polymeric backbone components. The term “graft polymer” as used herein refers to a polymer molecule which has polymer chains as pendent groups along a polymer backbone. The term “block copolymer” as used herein means a polymer combining two or more polymeric components having a structure such as A-B, A-B-A, B-A-B, or A-B-C. 
     The term “telechelic” as used herein refers to a polymer molecule which contains reactive terminal units at either one or two ends of the polymer. “Monotelechelic” refers to the attachment of a functional group to one end of the polymer while “ditelechelic” refers to the attachment of functional groups to both ends of the polymer. 
     The term “PDI” as used herein refers to the polydispersity index in reference to the molecular weights of the polymers. 
     II. Compositions with Polyphosphazene Backbones 
     Copolymers containing segments of polyphosphazenes, as either backbone segments or pendent side chains, are prepared with a variety of polymers. Representative suitable polymers include polystyrene, polynorbornene, polysiloxanes, poly(methyl methacrylate), and polyolefins. The polymer compositions described herein can be generalized in the formula                           
     wherein each specific composition is discussed in detail as follows. 
     1. Polymers with Telechelic Terminal Groups 
     A. Polymers of Formula 1A 
     Polymers of formula 1A, with di- or monotelechelic terminal groups provide a functionalized polyphosphazene capable of further reactions that allow the incorporation of phosphazenes and other polymeric systems into one material:                           
     where R 1  and R 2  taken independently can be CF 3 CH 2 , Ph, MeOPh, BOC-NH(CH 2 ) 2 , ( t− Bu)Me 2 SiO(CH 2 ) 5 , allyl, vinyl, BrPh, 1-naphthyl, 1-naphthoxy, and norbornenyl groups; 
     where R 3  and R 4  taken independently can be CF 3 CH 2 O, CCl 3 CH 2 , Ph, alkyl, CF 3 , and Br; and 
     where Z is either O or NH. 
     Preferred polymers are those where the R 1  and R 2  groups are either vinyl aniline, allyl amine, phenyl, methoxyphenyl,  t− BocNH(CH2) 2 ,  t− BuMe 2 SiO(CH 2 ) 5 , 1-naphthyl, or norbornenyl groupings, and R 3  and R 4  groups are CF 3 CH 2 O. 
     B. Polymers of Formula 1B 
     Polymers with Formula 1B which are block polyphosphazenes with two naphthoxy groups which may be used as electrically conductive materials or optical materials are provided:                           
     where R 1  and R 2  taken independently can be CX 3 CH 2  in which X is a halogen group, Ph, alkyl, CF 3 , and alkoxy; and 
     where R 3 , R 4 , R 5 , R 6 , R 7 , and R 8 taken independently can be H, halogen groups, CH 3 , CH 3 O, and CH 3 CH 2 O. 
     The preferred polymers are those where R 1  is CF 3 CH 2 , R 2  is Ph, and R 3 , R 4 , R 5 , R 6 , R 7 , and R 8  are H groups. 
     2. Polyphosphazene-poly-olefin Copolymers 
     A. Polymers of Formula 2A 
     Polymers of Formula 2A are provided which are polyphosphazene-polystyrene block polymers:                           
     where R 1  can be Ph, 1-naphthyl, and XPh in which X is halogen groups in either a p, o or m position; 
     where R 2  and R 3  taken independently can be PhO, CX 3 CH 2 O in which X is halogen groups, and alkoxy groups; 
     where R 4  is in either a p, o or m position and is either H,CH 3 , or X which is a halogen group; and 
     where y 1  and y 2  are different and are either 1 or 0. 
     The preferred polymers are those where R 1  is Ph, R 2  and R 3  are either PhO or CF 3 CH 2 O, R 4  is H, and y 1  and y 2  are different and are either 0 or 1. 
     B. Polymers with Formula 2B 
     Polymers of Formula 2B are provided which are polyphosphazene-polystyrene graft polymers:                           
     where R 1  and R 2  taken independently can be PhO, CX 3 CH 2 O in which X is a halogen group, and alkoxy groups; 
     where R 3  is in either a p, o or m position and is either H, CH 3 , or X which is a halogen group; and 
     where Z is either an O or NH group. 
     The preferred polymers are those where R 1  is a phenyl group, R 2  is either a CF 3 CH 2  or PhO group, R 3  is H, and Z is an NH group. 
     C. Polymers with Formula 2C 
     Polymers of Formula 2C are provided which are diblock polyphosphazene-polystyrene copolymers in which the two polymeric blocks are bridged by a silyl grouping:                           
     where R 1  and R 2  taken independently can be PhO, CX 3 CH 2 O in which X is a halogen group, and alkoxy groups; 
     where R 3  can be CH 3 , CH 3 CH 2 , CH 3 CH 2 CH 2 , or CH 3 CH(CH 3 ); 
     where R 4  is in either a p, o or m position and can be H, CH 3 , and X which is a halogen group; and 
     where Z is either an O or NH group. 
     The preferred polymers are those where R 1  and R 2  are PhO and CF 3 CH 2 O, R 3  is CH 3 , and R 4  is H. 
     3. Polyphosphazene-ROMP Polymers of Norbornene 
     A. Polymers with Formula 3A 
     Polymers with Formula 3A which are polyphosphazene-ROMP polymers of norbornene are provided:                           
     where R 1 , R 2  and R 3  taken independently can be H, CH 3 , CH 3 CH 2 , CH 3 CH 2 CH 2 , and X which is a halogen group; 
     where R 6  can be Ph, CX 3 CH 2  in which X is a halogen group, and alkoxy groups; 
     where R 7  can be CH 3 , CH 3 CH 2 , CH 3 CH 2 CH 2 , and CH 3 CH(CH 3 ); and 
     where Z is either an O or NH group. 
     The preferred polymers are those where R 1 , R 2 , R 3 , R 4 , and R 5  are H groups, R 6  is CF 3 CH 2 , and Z is an O group. 
     B. Polymers with Formula 3B 
     Polymers with Formula 3B which are polymers from ROMP of Norbornene with phosphazene functional groups are provided:                           
     where R 1 , R 2 , R 3 , R 4 , and R 5  taken independently can be H, CH 3 , and X which is a halogen group; 
     where R 6  and R 7  taken independently can be Ph, CX 3 CH 2  in which X is a halogen group, and alkyl groups; 
     and where Z is either an O or NH group. 
     The preferred polymers are those where R 1 , R 2 , R 3 , R 4 , and R 5  are H groups, R 6  and R 7  are CF 3 CH 2  groups, and Z is an O or NH group. 
     4. Polyphosphazene and Polysiloxane Copolymers 
     A. Polymers with Formula 4A 
     Polymers of Formula 4A which are polyphosphazene and polysiloxane copolymers are provided:                           
     where R 1  can be PhO, CX 3 CH 2 O in which X is a halogen group, and alkoxy groups; 
     where R 2  can be a —CH 2 CH 2 —, and —CH 2 CH 2 CH 2 — group; 
     where R 3  can be CH 3 , CH 3 CH 2 , CH 3 CH 2 CH 2 , and CH 3 CH(CH 3 ); and 
     where Z is either an O or NH group. 
     The preferred polymers are those where R 1  is CF 3 CH 2 , R 2  is a CH 2 CH 2  group, R 3  is CH 3 , and Z is an O or NH group. 
     B. Polymers with Formula 4B 
     Polymers of Formula 4B which are polyphosphazene and polysiloxane copolymers are provided:                           
     where R 1  and R 2  taken independently can be CH 3 , CH 3 CH 2 , CH 3 CH 2 CH 2 , and CH 3 CH(CH 3 ); 
     where R 3  can be PhO, CX 3 CH 2 O in which X is a halogen group, an alkoxy group, a 1-naphthoxy group, CF 3 , and CH 3 ; 
     where R 4  can be CH 2 , CH 2 CH 2 , CH 2 CH 2 CH 2 , and —(CH 2 ) x OCH 2 CH 2 — where x is an integer selected from the group consisting of 1, 2 and 3; and 
     where Z is either an O or NH group. 
     The preferred polymers are those where R 1  is CH 3 , R 2  is a CH 3 CH(CH 3 ) group, R 3  is CF 3 CH 2 O, R 4  is —(CH 2 ) 3 OCH 2 CH 2 —, and Z is an O or NH group. 
     C. Polymers with Formula 4C 
     Polymers of Formula 4C which are polyphosphazene and polysiloxane copolymers are provided:                           
     where R 1  and R 2  taken independently can be CH 3 , CH 3 CH 2 , CH 3 CH 2 CH 2 , and CH 3 CH(CH 3 ); 
     where R 3  can be PhO, CX 3 CH 2 O in which X is a halogen group, alkoxy groups, 1-naphthoxy, CF 3 , and CH 3 ; 
     where R 4  can be CH 2 , CH 2 CH 2 , CH 2 CH 2 CH 2 , and —(CH 2 ) x OCH 2 CH 2 — where x is an integer selected from the group consisting of 1, 2 and 3; and 
     where Z is either an O or NH group. 
     The most preferred polymers are polymers where R 1  is CH 3 , R 2  is a CH 3 CH(CH 3 ) group, R 3  is CF 3 CH 2 O, R 4  is —(CH 2 ) 3 OCH 2 CH 2 —, and Z is an O or NH group. 
     III. Synthesis of the Polymers 
     The polymers of Formula 1A-B, 2A-C, 3A-B, and 4A-C can be prepared using the synthetic reactions and techniques described herein. The reactions are performed in solvents suitable to the reagents and materials employed and suitable for the transformation being effected. Depending upon the synthetic route selected and the functionality of the starting material or intermediates, the appropriate protection groups and deprotection conditions available in the art of organic and inorganic synthesis may be utilized in the synthesis of the polymers. 
     Polymers of Formula 1A-B, 2A-C, 3A-B, and 4A-C can be synthesized, for example, using the routes illustrated in FIGS. 1-10 and the methods described in the Examples herein. 
     1. Synthesis of Polyphosphazene Polymers of Formula 1 
     Mono- or di-telechelic polyphosphazenes can be prepared through terminating the living poly(dichloro)phosphazenes with an appropriate amount of chosen non-halogenated phosphoranimines. In one embodiment, monotelechelic polyphosphazenes have the formula R(CF 3 CH 2 O) 2 PNSiMe 3  where R can be a functionalized amine or alcohol. Polymers of Formula 1A with R 1  (or R 2  in the alternative) being norbornenyl and R 2  (or R 1  in the alternative), R 3 , and R 4  being CF 3 CH 2  can be synthesized as outlined in FIGS. 1-2. First, norbornenyl phosphoranimines (3, 3′) were generated through coupling 5-hydroxymethyl bicyclo[2.2.1]hept-2-ene (1) or 5-aminomethyl bicyclo[2.2.1]hept-2-ene (1′) with a halophosphoranimine such as Br(CF 3 CH 2 O) 2 PNSiMe 3  (2) in an solvent such as tetrahydrofuran (THF) and in the presence of a base. Then, two molar equivalents of PX 5  such as PCl 5  were allowed to react with the phosphoranimine (CF 3 CH 2 O) 3 P═NSiMe 3  (4) at a cold temperature, such as −78° C., in an organic solvent, such as CH 2 Cl 2 , to generate the ionic species [(CF 3 CH 2 O) 3 P═N-PCl 3 ] + [PCl 6 ] −  (5). Addition of a trihalophosphoranimine, such as Cl 3 P═NSiMe 3 , to this reaction mixture induces polymerization to living poly(dichlorophosphazene) (6) with chain lengths that can be controlled by the variation of monomer to initiator ratio. Monotelechelic polydichlorophosphazene (7, 7′) can be obtained by addition of an appropriate amount of the norbornenyl phosphoranimine (3 or 3′) to terminate a living polymer such as poly(dichlorophosphazene) chains (6). Macromolecular replacement of the halogen atoms in [X 2 P═N] n  such as Cl in the [Cl 2 P═N] n  units by an amine or alkali metal alkoxide or phenoxide such as NaOCH 2 CF 3  generated the hydrolytically stable, halogen-free macromonomers (8, 8′). Similarly, ditelechelic norborneyl polyphosphazene with R 3  and R 4  being CF 3 CH 2  groups and Z being an O group (10) can be easily prepared by terminating 9 with an excess amount of 3 or 3′. 
     Poly[ditelechelic 1-naphthoxyl polyphosphazenes] of Formula 1B can be synthesized by a polymerization reaction in the presence of a catalyst such as FeCl 3  and PhNO 2 . In one embodiment, a composition of Formula 1B with R 1  being a CF 3 CH 2 O group, R 2  being a PhO group and R 3 , R 4 , R 5 , R 6 , R 7  and R 8  being H groups (13) can be prepared as outlined in FIG.  3 . First, the ditelechelic 1-naphthoxypolyphosphazene (12) is prepared by terminating 9 with an appropriate amount, such as 2.2 equivalents, of the naphthoxy phosphoranimine followed by replacement of the halogen atoms such as Cl with trifluoroethoxy. The hydrolytically stable prepolymer, 12, is then allowed to polymerize in the presence of PhNO 2  and FeCl 3  generates polymer 13. 
     2. Synthesis of Polymers with Formula 2A-C 
     Polymers of Formula 2A can be prepared through the termination of living poly(dichlorophosphazenes) with polystyryl phosphoranimines. In one embodiment, polymer compositions of Formula 2A with R 1  being a Ph group and R 2  and R 3  being CF 3 CH 2 O groups can be prepared according to FIG.  4 . First, polystyrene with a terminal phosphine unit is prepared by quenching living polystyrene (14) with a halophosphine such as Ph 2 PCl. 14 is then treated with N 3 SiMe 3  to yield the novel polystyryl phosphoranimine (15) in quantitative yield. 15 can be used as a macromolecular terminator in the living polymerization of polyphosphazenes. Similarly, 14 can be quenched by animines or olefin oxides such as ethylene oxide, followed by the addition of halophosphanimines to give respective polystyryl phosphanimes. Diblock copolymers of Formula 2A with y 1 =1 (or y 2 =1) and y 2 =0 (or y 1 =0), R 1  being a Ph group, R 2  and R 3  being CF 3 CH 2 O groups (17) can be prepared by the termination of living polyphosphazene (6), containing only one terminal PCl 3   +  unit, with 15. Following termination, the solvent is removed in vacuo to remove the side product halosilane. The polymer is then dissolved in an organic solvent, such as THF, and the halogen atoms is replaced by the addition of an appropriate amount of an amine or metal alkoxide or phenoxide or phenoxide such as NaOCH 2 CF 3 . Isolation of polymer 17 can be accomplished, for example, via a precipitation of the reaction mixture solution in an organic solvent such as THF into water. 
     Following the same reaction scheme, triblock copolymers of Formula 2A with y 1 =y 2 =1, R 1  being a Ph group, R 2  and R 3  being CF 3 CH 2 O groups (18) can be prepared by an addition of an appropriate equivalents such as 2.5 of 15 to 16 to terminate the living polymer 16. After the termination, the solvent can be removed in vacuo to remove the side product halosilane. The polymer is then dissolved in a solvent such as THF, and the halogen atoms can be replaced by the addition of an appropriate amount of an amine or metal alkoxide or phenoxide such as NaOCH 2 CF 3 . Isolation of polymer 18 can be accomplished, for example, via a precipitation of the reaction mixture solution in an organic solvent such as THF into water. 
     In another embodiment of the present methods, graft copolymers of Formula 2B with R 1  and R 2  being CF 3 CH 2 O groups, R 3  being H groups, and Z being an NH group (21) can be prepared by copolymerization of the polyphosphazene with a terminal vinyl aniline functional group (19) with varying ratios of a vinylbenzene such as styrene as outlined in FIG.  5 . In one embodiment, vinylaniline terminated polyphosphazenes (19) is produced by treating 4 with an appropriate amount such as 2.0 molar equivalents of a PX 5  such as PCl 5  at a cold temperature, such as −78° C., in an solvent such as CH 2 Cl 2  to generate the cationic species 5. Addition of a specific amount of a X 3 P═NSiMe 3  such as Cl 3 P═NSiMe 3  to the reaction mixture results in the formation of a living polymer such as poly(dichlorophosphazene) 6, similar to 5, with discrete chain lengths. 6, then, can be quenched with an appropriate amount (e.g., 1.2 equivalents) of CH 2 CHC 6 H 4 —NH—(CF 3 CH 2 O) 2 P═NSiMe 3  (20). The polymer product can be isolated via precipitation of the reaction mixture solution into water after the halogen atoms are replaced by reaction with an amine or metal alkoxide or phenoxide such as sodium trifluoroethoxide. The polyphosphazenes with a terminal vinyl aniline functional group (19) can be used to produce graft copolymers by refluxing a solution of 19, AIBN, and styrene in an solvent such as THF over a period of time, e.g., 48 hours. The graft copolymers 21 can be isolated, for example, as finely divided solids in good yields after precipitation into water. Poly(methyl methacrylate)-graft-polyphosphazene can be produced by copolymerizing 19 with methyl methacrylated in the presence of AIBN. 
     Hydrosilylation reactions can be employed to prepare polystyrene-block-polyphosphazenes copolymers. In one embodiment, polymer compositions of Formula 2C with R 1  and R 2  being OCH 2 CF 3  groups, R 3  being a CH 3  group, and R 4  being a H group can be prepared as shown in the FIG.  6 . First, the olefin-substituted aminopolyphosphazene (22) is prepared, for example according to FIG. 1. 22 then is subjected to hydrosilylation reaction with a hydride terminated polysiloxane such as poly(dimethylsiloxane) (23) in the presence a metal catalyst such as divinyltetramethyldisiloxane:Pt catalyst to give diblock polystyrene-polyphosphazene copolymers (23a). 
     3. Synthesis of Polymers of Formula 3A-B 
     A Ring-Opening-Metathesis Polymerization (ROMP) reaction can be utilized to generate polyphosphazene-polynorbornene copolymers of Formula 3A-B. In one embodiment, polymers of Formula 3A with R 1 , R 2 , R 3 , R 4 , and R 5  being H groups, R 6  being a CF 3 CH 2  group, R 7  being a CH 3  group, and Z being an O group (24) are prepared, as outlined in FIG. 7, via a ROMP reaction of a telechelic norbornenyl polyphosphazene such as 3 in a solvent such as THF. In one embodiment, 3 is subjected to ROMP reaction with norbornene in the presence of a metal catalyst such as Grubb&#39;s catalyst Cl 2 (PCy 3 ) 2 Ru═CHPh (25) with monomer:25 ratios up to 250:1. The reactions can be carried out at high concentrations. Isolation and purification of the phosphoranimine-functionalized polymers of Formula 3A can result in well-defined polynorbornene with pendent phosphoranimine side groups. 
     ROMP reaction can be utilized to synthesize polymers of Formula 3B. In one embodiment of the present invention, polymer compositions of Formula 3B with R 1 , R 2 , R 3 , R 4 , and R 5  being H groups, R 6  and R 7  being CF 3 CH 2  groups, and Z being an O group (27) as outlined in FIG. 8. A monotelechelic norbornenyl polyphosphazene macromonomers such as 26 can copolymerize with an olefin such as norbornene via ROMP using a metal catalyst such as 25 as the initiator in a solvent such as THF. The macromonomers are copolymerized with norbornene. The polymerization reaction can be terminated with an vinyl ether such as ethyl vinyl ether to give the final graft copolymers 27. In one embodiment, a monotelechelic norbornenyl polyphosphazene graft 26 with an average side unit degree of polymerization of 25, is allowed to copolymerize with 98 and 99 mol % norbornene at monomer to initiator ratios of 200:1. The reaction mixtures can be solidified, for example within 40 minutes, following the addition of the initiator, and the polymers 27 can be isolated as off-white solids by precipitation into a hydrocarbon solvent such as hexane. The graft copolymer with 1 and 2 mol % of the polyphosphazene graft is soluble in common organic solvents. 
     4. Synthesis of Polymers of Formula 4 
     Hydrosilylation reactions can be employed to polyxiloxane-polyphosphazene copolymers. One embodiment of the present method is shown in FIG.  9 . Phosphazene-block-siloxane-block-phosphazene copolymers of Formula 4A with R 1  being a CF 3 CH 2  group, R 2  being a CH 2 CH 2 CH 2  group, and R 3  being a CH 3  group (30) can be produced by reacting a polydimethylsiloxane (28) with allylaminopolyphosphazenes (29). In one embodiment, an appropriate amount such as 2 molar equivalents of 29 undergoes a hydrosilylation reaction with half of the amount of 29 such as 1 molar equivalent 28 in the presence of a metal catalyst such as divinyldisiloxane:Pt catalyst, e. g., at 66° C. The progress of the reaction can be monitored by a spectroscopical means such as infrared spectroscopy. 30 can be isolated, for example as an adhesive, off-white material in good yield. 
     FIG. 10 depicts a second approach for the preparation of di- and tri-block copolymers which involves the coupling of a monohydroxy polysiloxane with a halophosphoranimine. In one embodiment, polymer compositions of Formula 4B and 4C can be made by reacting a monohydroxy polydimethylsiloxane with halophosphanimes. The resultant siloxane-block-phosphanime can react with living polyphosphazenes to generate either siloxane-block-phosphazene-block or siloxane-block-phosphazene-block-siloxane-block products. In one preferred embodiment, diblock copolymers of Formula 4B with R 1  being a CH 3  group, R 2  being a CH 3  (CH 2 ) 2  group, R 3  being a CF 3 CH 2 O group, R 4  being a (CH 2 ) 3 OCH 2 CH 2  group, and Z being an O group (33) can be synthesized by reacting a polysiloxane such as PDMS with a terminal phosphoranimine unit (32) with living polymer such as mono telechelic poly(dichlorophosphazene) 6. 32 was prepared from monohydroxy-PDMS (CH 3 (CH 2 ) 3 [Me 2 SiO] 20 Me 2 Si(CH 2 ) 3 OCH 2 CH 2 OH, M w =1600) (31) and 2. Replacement of the halogen atoms such as Cl with an amine or metal alkoxide or phenoxide such as sodium trifluoroethoxide generate 33. Any excess PDMS present in the product is easily removed, for example, by successive washing with a solvent such as CH 2 Cl 2  to yield well-defined polymers with narrow polydispersities. The physical properties of the block copolymers can range, for example, from adhesive, off-white gums to white crystalline solids as the molecular weight of the polyphosphazene block is increased. 
     Likewise, polymers of Formula 4C with R 1  being a CH 3  group, R 2  being a CH 3 (CH 2 ) 2  group, R 3  being a CF 3 CH 2 O group, R 4  being a (CH 2 ) 3 OCH 2 CH 2  group, and Z being an O group (34) can be prepared via termination of the living polymer such as poly(dichlorophosphazene) 9 with a slight excess of 32, followed by a subsequent reaction with an amine or metal alkoxide or phenoxide such as NaOCH 2 CF 3  to yield the hydrolytically stable, trifluoroethoxy-substituted siloxane-block-phosphazene-block-siloxane copolymers (34). 
     IV. Applications for the Polymer Compositions 
     The polymer compositions can be used in a wide variety of applications. Examples include elastomers, optical materials, electrically conductive materials, biomedical materials, compatibilizing agents, surfactants, additives for coatings, and flame retardants. 
     Compositions of Formula 1B, for example, may be used as optical as well as electrically conductive materials. Compositions of Formula 3A-B may be used as elastomeric materials, biomedical materials, additives for coatings, surfactants, and compatibilizing agents. Furthermore, compositions having haloalkoxy side groups may be used as fire-retardant materials. 
     The polymers of this application and their preparation can be further understood by the following non-limiting examples. 
     EXAMPLE 1 
     Synthesis of [(CF 3 CH 2 O) 3 P═N(Cl 2 P═N) n PCl 3 ] +  [PCl 6 ] −  (6) 
     To a stirred solution of the initiator 5 was added a solution of Cl 3 P═NSiMe 3  in CH 2 Cl 2 . After a given amount of time (2-24 hours, dependent on monomer to initiator ratios), all of the Cl 3 P═NSiMe 3  had reacted, as confirmed by the disappearance of the  31 P NMR resonance for Cl 3 P═NSiMe 3  at −54 ppm and the presence of a new resonance at −17.6 ppm for [Cl 2 P═N] n .  31 P NMR (D 2 O) data of 5 are: δ 8.2 (d, 1P, J=29.02, —PCl 3   + ), −12.46 (d, 1P, J=30.76, (CF 3 CH 2 O) 3 P), −14.5, −15.5 (t, 2P, J=40.11, —Cl 2 P═N—Cl 2 P═N—[Cl 2 P═N] n ), −17.6 ppm (br. s, [Cl 2 P═N] n ). 
     EXAMPLE 2 
     Synthesis of Monotelechelic Macromonomer (CF 3 CH 2 O) 3 P═N[(CF 3 CH 2 O) 2 P═N)] n P(CF 3 CH 2 O) 3 (OC 8 H 11 ) (8) 
     To 6 was added a solution of 3 in CH 2 Cl 2 . The reaction mixture was stirred for 8 hours. The volatiles were removed and the residue was redissolved in THF and subsequently treated with a two-fold excess per chlorine atom of 1.5 M sodium trifluoroethoxide in THF. The mixture was stirred at 25° C. for 24 hours to produce the fully substituted product. The polymer was isolated via precipitation into deionized water (3×) and hexane (2×). NMR spectroscopy data of 8 are: 
       1 H NMR (acetone-d 6 ): δ 6.11-5.96 (m, 2H), 4.76-4.26 (m, OCH 2 CF 3 ), 3.67-3.61 (m, 1H), 3.49-3.44 (m, 1H), 2.91 (br.s, 1H), 2.82-2.79 (m, 2H), 2.40 (br.s, 1H), 1.83-1.76 (m, 1H), 1.38-1.17 (m, 1H), 0.52-0.48 (br.s, 1H);  31 P-NMR (acetone-d 6 ): δ −6.39 (br. s, [(CF 3 CH 2 O) 2 P═N] n ), −1.61 (d, J=68.05, Norb-O—(CF 3 CH 2 O) 2 P═N), −0.98 (d, J=51.96, CF 3 CH 2 O) 3 P═N);  13 C NMR (acetone-d 6 ): δ 137.68, 137.31, 136.89, 132.99, 123.82 (q, J=270.58, OCH 2 CF 3 ), 49.54, 45.31, 44.25, 44.00, 42.87, 43.01, 42.21, 42.18, 40.21, 64.14 (q, J=40.41, OCH 2 CF 3 ), 63.01, 62.65. 
     EXAMPLE 3 
     Synthesis of Ditelechelic Macromonomer (C 8 H 11 O)(CF 3 CH 2 O) 2 P═N[(CF 3 CH 2 O) 2 P═N)] n P(CF 3 CH 2 O) 3 (OC 8 H 11 ) (10) 
     A solution of PCl 5  (10 mg, 0.048 mmol) in 10 mL of CH 2 Cl 2  or toluene was placed in a flask and was stirred for 1 hour. A solution of Cl 3 P═NSiMe 3  in 2 mL of CH 2 Cl 2  was then added to the flask. The reaction mixture was monitored by  31 P spectroscopy until complete conversion of Cl 3 P═NSiMe 3  to polymer had occurred. A slight excess of 3 (based on the ratio of PCl 5  to Cl 3 P═NSiMe 3 ) was then added, and the solution was stirred for 6-24 hours. All volatiles were removed under reduced pressure and the endcapped poly(dichlorophosphazene) was dissolved in 10 ml of THF. To this THF solution was added a two fold excess, per chlorine atom, of 1.5 M sodium trifluoroethoxide in THF and the reaction mixture was stirred for 24 hours at 25° C. Macromonomer 10 was then recovered via precipitation into deionized water (3×) and hexane (2×). NMR spectroscopy data of 10 are: 
       1 H NMR (acetone-d 6 ): δ 6.21-5.98 (m, 4H, CH═CH), 4.55-4.29 (m, 8H, OCH 2 CF 3 ), 3.82-3.46 (m, 6H), 2.91 (m, 2H), 2.82 (m, 2H), 2.4 (br.m, 2H), 1.91-1.82 (m, 2H), 1.45-1.19 (m, 6H), 0.52 (m, 2H);  31 P-NMR (acetone-d 6 ): δ −6.27 (s, [(CF 3 CH 2 O) 2 P═N] n ), −1.60 (d, J=68.55, R—O—(CF 3 CH 2 O) 2 P═N);  13 C NMR (acetone-d 6 ): δ 138.15, 137.53, 137.02, 133.09, 124.03 (q, J=276.58, OCH 2 CF 3 ), 64.22 (q, J=37.39, OCH 2 CF 3 ), 63.19, 62.80, 49.89, 45.47, 44.50, 44.17, 43.03, 42.99, 42.43, 42.30, 40.23. 
     EXAMPLE 4 
     PCl 5 -Induced, Solvent-free Polymerization of Me 3 SiN═P(Ph)(CF 3 )Br 
     Solvent-free polymerizations of Me 3 SiN═P(Ph)(CF 3 )Br (0.343 g, 1.0 mmol) with PCl 5  (0.02 g, 0.10 mmol) in a 10:1 ratio were performed in reaction vials under an inert atmosphere (Glove Box), with stirring at 35° C. After 30 minutes, the reaction mixture became immobile and THF (ca. 10 ml) was added to dissolve the rubbery material. The solution then was examined by  31 P NMR spectroscopy. The  31 P NMR spectrum showed the complete consumption of Me 3 SiN═P(Ph)(CF 3 )Br, as evidenced by the disappearance of the  31 P NMR resonance for Me 3 SiN═P(Ph)(CF 3 )Br at −24.5 ppm and the presence of new broad resonances at ca. −10.4 to −3.7 ppm for [N═PPh(CF 3 )] n  (35). All volatile species were removed at reduced pressure. Polymer 35 was then precipitated into deionized water (3×) and hexane (2×) with a yield of 90%. NMR spectroscopy data of 35 are: 
       31 P NMR (CH 2 Cl 2 ): δ=−10.4 ppm; GPC: M n =1.33×10 4  and PDI=1.03; Tg=−19° C. as observed by DSC.  31 P NMR (CDCl 3 ): δ=−10.4 (br. s);  1 H NMR (CDCl 3 ): δ=7.98-7.73 (m, 4H, C 6 H 5 ), 7.65-7.44 (m, 6H, C 6 H 5 ), 4.61-4.19 (m, 6H, OCH 2 CF 3 );  13 C NMR (CDCl 3 ): δ=139.53 (d, J=76.4, quat. C 6 H 5 ), 138.98 (d, J=74.5, C 6 H 5 ), 135.62 (d, J=91.3, C 6 H 5 ), 131.14 (d, J=11.3, C 6 H 5 ), 130.72 (d, J=13.4, C 6 H 5 ), 129.76 (t, J=17.2, C 6 H 5 ), 123.64 (d of q, J=187.0, 23.5, CF 3 ), 64.95-62.71 (OCH 2 CF 3 ). 
     EXAMPLE 5 
     Polymerization of Me 3 SiN═P(CH 3 )(Ph)Br 
     To a stirred solution of PCl 5  (0.104 g, 0.5 mmol) in CH 2 Cl 2  (10 ml) at 20° C. was added Me 3 SiN═P(CH 3 )(Ph)Br (0.065 g, 0.25 mmol) quickly via syringe. The reaction mixture was stirred for 2 hours at this temperature.  31 P NMR spectroscopy of the reaction mixture indicated the presence of the desired initiator species. To the reaction mixture was added a 5-, 10, or 20-fold excess of Me 3 SiN═P(CH 3 )(Ph)Br and the reaction was monitored by  31 P NMR until complete consumption of the monomer had taken place to form [CH 3 PhP═N] n  (36). At this time, a slight excess of 1.5 M sodium trifluoroethoxide was added to the reaction mixture to substitute the terminal bromine atoms. After stirring the reaction mixture at room temperature for 8 hours, the volatiles were removed under reduced pressure. The residue was redissolved in methylene chloride and the polymer precipitated by the addition of hexanes. The positive  31 P NMR chemical shift of this polymer (2.04 ppm) is due to the electron donating methyl substituent, in contrast to the electron withdrawing CF 3  group in 5 which causes an upfield shift to −10.4 ppm. NMR spectroscopy data of 36 are: 
       31 P NMR (CDCl 3 ): δ=2.04 (br. s);  1 H NMR (CDCl 3 ): δ=8.02-7.92 (m, 6H, C 6 H 5 ), 7.46-7.31 (m, 4H, C 6 H 5 ), 4.52-4.06 (m, 6H, OCH 2 CF 3 ), 1.82-1.47 (several overlapping doublets, Me).  13 C NMR* (CDCl 3 ): δ=140.48 (d, J=72.6, C 6 H 5 ), 139.57 (d, J=92.6, C 6 H 5 ), 138.05 (d, J=72.5, quaternary C 6 H 5 ), 130.62 (d, J=10.3, C 6 H 5 ), 129.21 (d, J=10.7, C 6 H 5 ), 127.26 (t, J=12.0, C 6 H 5 ), 62.32-60.01 (overlapping quartets, OCH 2 CF 3 ), 22.49 (d, J=92.4), 22.02 (d, J=90.64), 21.44 (d, J=92.4, Me).* OCH 2 CF 3  carbons hidden under aromatic resonances. 
     EXAMPLE 6 
     Synthesis of Polystyryl Polyphosphoranimine Triblock Copolymers 
     Polystyrene with a terminal phosphine unit (14) was prepared by quenching living polystyrene with Ph 2 PCl. This species was treated with N 3 SiMe 3  to yield the novel polystyryl phosphoranimine (15) in quantitative yield. This species was used as a macromolecular terminator in the living polymerization of polyphosphazenes. Triblock copolymers 18 were prepared by the addition of 2.5 equivalents of 15 to the living cationic poly(dichlorophosphazenes) 16. The termination process was monitored by  31 P NMR spectroscopy, which showed the disappearance of the PCl 3   +  terminal units at −8 ppm and the appearance of the new end-groups at 5 ppm. 1.53 g 18a was isolated (71.5%; M n =8100; PDI=1.21) (Table 1). The NMR spectroscopy data of 18a are: 
       1 H NMR (CD 3 COCD 3 ):  1 H NMR: 7.19 (br, 3H, ArH), 6.46 (br, 2H, ArH), 4.51 (d, J=61.98, 0.8H, OCH 2 CF 3 ), 1.78 ppm (br, 2H, CHCH 2 ), 1.52 ppm (br, 1H, CHCH 2 );  31 P NMR: −6.87 (br s, [N═P(OCH 2 CF 3 ) 2 ] n ). 
     EXAMPLE 7 
     Synthesis of Polystyryl Polyphosphoranimine Diblock Copolymers 
     Diblock copolymers 17 were prepared by the reaction of polyphosphazenes 6, containing only one terminal PCl 3   +  unit, with 15. Following termination, the solvent was removed in vacuo to remove the side product SiMe 3 Cl. The polymers were then dissolved in THF, and the chlorine atoms were replaced by the addition of a 1.5 M NaOCH 2 CF 3  solution. Isolation of the polymer was accomplished via precipitation into water. In cases where multiple precipitations did not remove the excess polystyrene phosphoranimine 15, dialysis against THF was employed to remove the homopolymers. The block copolymers 17 were isolated as white, hydrolytically stable materials after purification (Table 1). The NMR data of 17a are: 
       1 H NMR (CD 3 COCD 3 ):  1 H NMR: 7.15 (br, 3H, ArH), 6.41 (br, 2H, ArH), 4.63 (d, J=61.28, 2H, OCH 2 CF 3 ), 1.47 ppm (br, 2H, CHCH 2 ); 1.28 ppm (br, 1H, CHCH 2 );  31 P NMR: δ=−7.11 (br s, [N═P(OCH 2 CF 3 ) 2 ] n ); Yield: 2.47 g, 80.0%; M n =14700; PDI=1.17. 
     
       
         
               
             
               
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 1 
               
             
             
               
                   
               
               
                 Block Copolymers Synthesized via Initiation and Termination of 
               
               
                 Poly(dichlorophosphazene) with Phosphine Terminated Polystyrene (15). 
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                 PS Prepolymer a   
                 Phosphazene 
                 Copolymer 
               
             
          
           
               
                 Polymer 
                 M n   
                 PDI 
                 Prepolymer b   
                 Calc M n   
                 Found M n   a   
                 PDI a   
               
               
                   
               
               
                 18a 
                 1600 
                 1.09 
                 2400 
                  5600 
                  8100 
                 1.21 
               
               
                 18b 
                 2600 
                 1.09 
                 4900 
                 10100 
                 13200 
                 1.23 
               
               
                 18c 
                 5200 
                 1.08 
                 2400 
                 12800 
                 14700 
                 1.17 
               
               
                 18d 
                 5200 
                 1.08 
                 4900 
                 15300 
                 19000 
                 1.19 
               
               
                 17a 
                 2600 
                 1.09 
                 2400 
                  5000 
                  7100 
                 1.21 
               
               
                 17b 
                 2600 
                 1.09 
                 4900 
                  7500 
                  8500 
                 1.25 
               
               
                 17c 
                 5200 
                 1.08 
                 2400 
                  7600 
                  9300 
                 1.13 
               
               
                 17d 
                 5200 
                 1.08 
                 4900 
                 10100 
                 14600 
                 1.22 
               
               
                   
               
               
                   a Obtained by GPC vs. polystyrene standards.  
               
               
                   b Calculated from the initial ratio of monomer to initiator at 100% conversion.  
               
             
          
         
       
     
     EXAMPLE 8 
     Synthesis of Polystyryl Polyphosphoranimine Graft Copolymers 
     Graft copolymers 21 were prepared by the copolymerization of vinyl aniline-terminated polyphosphazenes 19 with varying ratios of styrene. 19 was produced by treatment of (CF 3 CH 2 O) 3 P═NSiMe 3  with two molar equivalents of PCl 5  at −78° C. in CH 2 Cl 2  to generate the cationic species [(CF 3 CH 2 O) 3 P═N—PCl 3 ] + [PCI 6 ] −  6. The formation of this salt was confirmed in situ by the presence of two doublets in the  31 P NMR spectrum for the N-PCl 3   +  and (CF 3 CH 2 O) 3 P═N units. This living polymer was then quenched with 1.2 equivalents of CH 2 CHC 6 H 4 —NH—(CF 3 CH 2 O) 2 P═NSiMe 3 . The termination of the living polymer was monitored by  31 P NMR spectroscopy which showed the formation of a new peak, from the CH 2 CHC 6 H 4 —NH—(CF 3 CH 2 O) 2 P═N end-group, near 5 ppm and the disappearance of the PCl 3   +  resonance at −8 ppm. 19 was isolated via precipitation into water after the chlorine atoms are then replaced by reaction with sodium trifluoroethoxide. The polyphosphazenes 19 were then used to produce graft copolymers by refluxing a solution of 21, AIBN, and styrene in THF for 48 hours. The graft copolymers 21 were isolated as finely divided solids in good yields after precipitation into water (Table 2). The NMR data of 21a are: 
       1 H NMR (CD 3 COCD 3 ):  1 H NMR: 7.20 (br, 3H, ArH), 6.49 (br, 2H, ArH), 4.65 (br, 3.2H, OCH 2 CF 3 ), 1.68 ppm (br, 2H, CHCH 2 ); 1.36 ppm (br, 1H, CHCH 2 );  31 P NMR: δ=−7.13 (br s, [N═P(OCH 2 CF 3 ) 2 ] n ); Yield: 1.48 g, 71.0%; M n =64200; PDI=1.83. 
     
       
         
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 2 
               
             
             
               
                   
               
               
                 Graft Copolymers Synthesized via Copolymerization of Styrene and 19 
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                 Prepolymer 7 
                 wt % 
                 Copolymer 
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                 Polymer 
                 M n   a   
                 PDI 
                 of 7 
                 M n   a   
                 PDI 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 21a 
                  7400 
                 1.11 
                  5 
                  64200 
                 1.83 
               
               
                 21b 
                  7400 
                 1.11 
                 10 
                  72500 
                 1.64 
               
               
                 21c 
                  7400 
                 1.11 
                 15 
                  83100 
                 1.97 
               
               
                 21d 
                 10300 
                 1.09 
                  5 
                  80900 
                 2.01 
               
               
                 21e 
                 10300 
                 1.09 
                 10 
                  86100 
                 1.87 
               
               
                 21f 
                 10300 
                 1.09 
                 15 
                 102000 
                 1.94 
               
               
                   
               
               
                   a Obtained by GPC vs. polystyrene standards.  
               
             
          
         
       
     
     EXAMPLE 9 
     Synthesis of Graft Polymers Via ROMP of Norbornene-Functionalized Phosphoranimines 
     Due to the insolubility of monomer 3 in CH 2 Cl 2  and CHCl 3 , THF was used as solvent despite its unfavorable Lewis basic properties. Under a N 2  atmosphere, a 50 mL round bottom flask containing a magnetic stir bar was charged with 3 (440 mg, 1.0 mmol) and 0.6 mL THF. A solution of Grubbs initiator 25, (PCy 3 ) 2 Cl 2 Ru═CHPh (16 mg, 0.020 mmol), in 0.2 mL THF was added to the flask via pipet. The flask was capped and the red/purple reaction mixture stirred for 1.5 hours at room temperature. Within 10 minutes the contents were noticeably thicker. To the flask was added 0.5 mL ethyl vinyl ether and 20 mg of catechol. At low monomer to initiator ratios (50:1), the resultant polymer was soluble in diethyl ether, petroleum ether, methanol, hexanes, THF, and chloroform. Despite the insolubility of polymer 24 in H 2 O and methanol at higher monomer to initiator ratios (&gt;100), loss of TMS groups occurred when the polymer was precipitated into polar protic solvents as evidenced by  1 H NMR. Polymer 24 readily precipitated out in methanol and were recovered as off-white solids (Table 3). The NMR data of 24 are: 
       1 H NMR (CDCl 3 ): δ 5.31 (bd, 2H), 4.30 (m, 4H, OCH 2 CF 3 ), 4.12 (bm, 1H), 3.86 (bm, 1H), 3.68 (m, 1H), 3.16 (bm, 1H), 3.03 (bm, 1H), 2.88 (bm, 1H), 2.59 (bm, 1H), 2.41 (bm, 1H), 2.22 (bm, 1H), 1.80 (bm, 1H), 1.58 (bm, 1H), 1.29 (m, 1H), 1.20 (bm, 1H), 0.03 (d, 9H, Si(CH 3 ) 3 );  31 P NMR (CDCl 3 ): δ 10.2 (d, 1P). 
     
       
         
               
             
               
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 3 
               
             
             
               
                   
               
               
                 Molecular Weight Data for 
               
               
                 Phosphoranimine-Functionalized Polynorbornenes. 
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                 mol % 
                 M n  × 10 −4   
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                 Polymer 
                 [M]/25 
                 Norbornene 
                 (Calculated) a   
                 (Found) b   
                 PDI 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 24a 
                  50 
                  0 
                 2.20 
                 4.60 
                 1.22 
               
               
                 24b 
                 100 
                  0 
                 4.39 
                 4.95 
                 1.54 
               
               
                 24c 
                  250 c   
                  0 
                 11.0  
                 7.13 
                 1.45 
               
               
                 24d 
                 200 
                  0 
                 8.78 
                 8.24 
                 1.57 
               
               
                 24e 
                 200 
                 20 
                 7.40 
                 8.13 
                 1.85 
               
               
                 24f 
                 200 
                 40 
                 6.02 
                 7.87 
                 1.76 
               
               
                 24g 
                 200 
                 60 
                 4.64 
                 7.21 
                 1.63 
               
               
                 24h 
                 200 
                 80 
                 3.26 
                 7.06 
                 1.87 
               
               
                 24i 
                 200 
                 90 
                 2.57 
                 6.63 
                 2.87 
               
               
                 24j 
                 200 
                 95 
                 2.23 
                 4.81 
                 1.82 
               
               
                 24k 
                 200 
                 98 
                 2.02 
                 2.58 
                 1.81 
               
               
                 24l 
                 200 
                 99 
                 1.95 
                 4.58 
                 1.58 
               
               
                   
               
               
                   a Calculated from the initial [M]/25 ratios at 100% conversion.  
               
               
                   b Obtained by GPC versus polystyrene standards.  
               
               
                   c Polymer was only partially soluble in THF.  
               
             
          
         
       
     
     EXAMPLE 10 
     Synthesis of Graft Polymers via ROMP of Monotelechelic Polyphosphazenes 
     Due to the insolubility of polymer 8 in CH 2 Cl 2  and CHCl 3 , THF was used as solvent. Under a N 2  atmosphere, a 50 mL round bottom flask containing a magnetic stir bar is charged with 8 (0.25 g) and 2.0 mL THF. A solution of Grubbs initiator (25), (PCy 3 ) 2 Cl 2 Ru═CHPh (16 mg, 0.020 mmol), in 0.2 mL THF was added to the flask via pipet. The flask was capped and the red/purple reaction mixture stirred for 2 hours at room temperature. Within 40 minutes the contents were noticeably thicker. To the flask was added 0.5 mL ethyl vinyl ether and 20 mg of catechol. At low polymer incorporation, 1-5 mole percents, the resultant polymer 27 was soluble in diethyl ether, petroleum ether, methanol, hexanes, THF, and chloroform. The  1 H NMR spectrum of the graft copolymers 27 showed characteristic upfield shifts of the olefinic groups at 5.2-5.6 ppm relative to the monomer (5.9-6.2 ppm). Because exo and endo 5-norbornene-2-methoxy isomers were used for quenching the living polyphosphazene homopolymer to yield macromonomer 8, the polyphosphazene graft 27 possesses both exo and endo configurations. Thus, a complex microstructure was presumed to develop during the polymerization, leading to random head-tail, head-head, and tail-tail additions, in addition to cis and trans vinylene units and meso or racemic dyads (Table 4). Inspection of the  1 H and  13 C NMR spectra confirmed the complexity of the microstructure as evidenced by the many unresolvable and broad multiplet peaks. 
     
       
         
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 4 
               
             
             
               
                   
               
               
                 Molecular Weight Data Polynorborne-graft-polyphosphazene. 
               
             
          
           
               
                 Graft 
                 Starting 
                 mol % 
                   
                   
               
               
                 Copolymer a   
                 Polyphosphazene 
                 26 
                   b M n  × 10 −4   
                 PDI 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 27a 
                 26a 
                 1 
                 4.60 
                 1.74 
               
               
                 27b 
                 26a 
                 2 
                 6.21 
                 2.04 
               
               
                 27b 
                 26b 
                 1 
                 4.95 
                 1.84 
               
               
                 27b 
                 26b 
                 2 
                 5.83 
                 2.33 
               
               
                 27c 
                 26c 
                 1 
                 7.13 
                 1.85 
               
               
                 27d 
                 26d 
                 1 
                 4.58 
                 1.98 
               
               
                   
               
               
                   a Polymerizations run at 200:1.  
               
               
                   b Obtained by GPC versus polystyrene standards.  
               
             
          
         
       
     
     EXAMPLE 11 
     Synthesis of Polyphosphazene-Polysiloxane Block Copolymers (30) via Hydrosilylation 
     Polyphosphazene-block-siloxane-block-phosphazene copolymers 30 were produced by treatment of 28 with monoallyl functional polyphosphazene 29 in the presence of a divinyldisiloxane:Pt catalyst at 66° C. The progress of the reaction was monitored by infrared spectroscopy, which showed the disappearance of the Si—H stretch at 2100 cm −1  over a twelve hour period. The polymer was isolated as an adhesive, off-white material in good yield. Analysis of 30 by gel permeation chromatography (GPC) indicated that well-defined block copolymers with polydispersities (Table 5). Further evidence for the structure of 30 was provided by a comparison of the  1 H and  31 P NMR integrations for the respective blocks with the elemental analysis results, which agreed within experimental error. The NMR data of 30a: 
       1 H NMR (CD 3 COCD 3 ): δ=4.63-4.51 (br.s., 64H, [(CF 3 CH 2 O) 2 P═N] 8 ), 4.37 (t, J=7.19, 8H, —CH 2 NH—[(CF 3 CH 2 O) 2 P═N]), 3.42 (br.s., 8H, —CH 2 CH 2 CH 2 NH—), 1.60 (br.s., 2H, NH), 0.74 (br.s., 4H, —SiCH 2 CH 2 CH 2 NH—), 0.12 (br.s., 486 H, [Me 2 SiO] 80 Me 2 Si);  31 P NMR (CD 3 COCD 3 ): δ=−7.24 (s, [(CF 3 CH 2 O) 2 P═N] 20 ), −2.43 (d, J=65.76 Hz, —(CF 3 CH 2 O) 2 P═N—);  13 C NMR (CD 3 COCD 3 ): δ=122.23 (q, J=266.78 Hz, OCH 2 CF 3 ), 63.72 (q, J=43.02, OCH 2 CF 3 ), 24.52 (2C, CH 2 CH 2 CH 2 —Si), 25.39 (2C, CH 2 CH 2 CH 2 —Si), 13.26 (2C, CH 2 CH 2 CH 2 —Si), 0-1.40 (m, 162C, [Me 2 SiO] 80 Me 2 Si). The calculated elemental analysis data are C, 26.9, H, 5.10, N, 2.70, F, 22.6 and the found ones are C, 27.3, H, 5.80, N, 2.70, F, 22.9. 
     EXAMPLE 12 
     Synthesis of Polyphosphazene-Polysiloxane Block Copolymers (33) and (34) 
     A PDMS with a terminal phosphoranimine unit 32 was prepared from monohydroxy PDMS 31 (CH 3 (CH 2 ) 3 [Me 2 SiO] 20 Me 2 Si(CH 2 ) 3 OCH 2 CH 2 OH, M w =1600) and Br(CF 3 CH 2 O) 2 P═NSiMe 3 . This species was obtained in good yield as a viscous, colorless oil with a  31 P NMR resonance at −15 ppm in contrast to the Br(CF 3 CH 2 O) 2 P═NSiMe 3  resonance which appears at −34 ppm. The lack of a halogen group on 32 enabled it to act as a terminating species in the living polymerization of polyphosphazenes by quenching the cationic ends of the chain. Thus, living poly(dichlorophosphazene) 9 was terminated with a slight excess of 32, followed by subsequent reaction with sodium trifluoroethoxide to yield the hydrolytically stable, trifluoroethoxy-substituted siloxane-block-phosphazene-block-siloxane copolymers 34. Similarly, diblock copolymers 33 were synthesized by termination of living mono telechelic poly(dichlorophosphazene) chains 6 with a slight excess of 32, followed by subsequent reaction with sodium trifluoroethoxide. In all instances, 31 P NMR spectroscopy was used to monitor the termination of the living polymerization process. This was indicated by the disappearance of the PCl 3   +  resonance at +8 ppm, and the subsequent appearance of a new resonance at −2 ppm following the addition of 32. Replacement of the chlorine atoms with sodium trifluoroethoxide was also confirmed by  31 P NMR spectroscopy which revealed a resonance at −6 ppm for the substituted [(CF 3 CH 2 O) 2 P═N] n  polymer with no trace of unsubstituted [Cl 2 P═N] n  at −17 ppm. Any excess PDMS present in the product was easily removed by successive washing with CH 2 Cl 2  to yield well-defined polymers 33 with narrow polydispersities (Table 5). The physical properties of the block copolymers 33 and 34 ranged from adhesive, off-white gums to white crystalline solids as the molecular weight of the polyphosphazene block increased. The NMR data of 33a are: 
       1 H NMR (CD 3 COCD 3 ): δ=0.024 (br.s., 126H, [Me 2 SiO] 20 Me 2 Si), 4.79-4.81 (b, 80H, OCH 2 CF 3 );  31 P NMR (CD 3 COCD 3 ): δ=−6.13 (s, [(CF 3 CH 2 O) 2 P═N] 10 ), −4.24 (d, J=67.92 Hz, —(CF 3 CH 2 O) 2 P═N);  13 C NMR (CD 3 COCD 3 ): δ=0.23-1.62 (m, 42C, [Me 2 SiO] 20 Me 2 Si), 13.87, 13.47 (s, 2C, CH 2 —Si), 17.99 (s, 1C, CH 3 ), 23.43 (s, 1C, CH 3 CH 2 ), 24.68, 26.41 (s, 2C, CH 2 CH 2 CH 2 ), 61.79, 72.38, 74.02 (s, 3C, CH 2 —O—CH 2 CH 2 —O—), 63.12 (q, 20C, J=38.74 Hz, 20C, OCH 2 CF 3 ), 123.79 (q, 20C, J=268.92, OCH 2 CF 3 ). For 34a:  1 H NMR (CD 3 COCD 3 ): δ=0.023 (br.s., 252 H, [Me 2 SiO] 20 Me 2 Si), 0.97 (br.s., 6H, CH 3 CH 2 ), 1.14 (br.s., 12H, CH 2 CH 2 CH 2 —), 3.80-3.88 (m, 8H, —CH 2 CH 2 O), 4.53 (br.s., 32H, [CF 3 CH 2 ) 2 P═N] 8 ), 4.34 (m, 4H, CH 2 CH 2 O—[(CF 3 CH 2 O) 2 P═N] 1 );  31 P NMR (CD 3 COCD 3 ): δ=−7.50 (s, [(CF 3 CH 2 O) 2 P═N] 10 ), −3.84 (d, J=67.92 Hz, —(CF 3 CH 2 O) 2 P═N—);  13 C NMR (CD 3 COCD 3 ): δ=0.81-2.43 (m, 84C, [Me 2 SiO] 20 Me 2 Si), 14.17, 14.66 (s, 4C, CH 2 —Si), 18.40 (s, 2C, CH 3 ), 23.91 (s, 2C, CH 3 CH 2 ), 24.93, 26.80 (s, 4C, CH 2 CH 2 CH 2 ), 62.15, 72.48, 74.42 (s, 6C, CH 2 —O—CH 2 CH 2 —O—), 63.61 (q, 20C, J=38.74 Hz, 20C, OCH 2 CF 3 ), 122.71 (q, 20C, J=268.92, OCH 2 CF 3 ). The calculated elemental analysis data are C, 23.90, H, 3.40, N, 4.30, F, 35.2 and the found ones are C, 24.2, H, 4.0, N, 4.5, F, 35.8. 
     
       
         
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 5 
               
             
             
               
                   
               
               
                 Molecular Weight and Molecular Weight Distribution of 
               
               
                 Di- and Tri-Block Copolymers of Phosphazenes and Siloxanes 
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                 Siloxane 
                 Phosphazene 
                 Copolymer MW 
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                 Polymer 
                 MW a   
                 MW b   
                 Calculated c   
                 GPC d   
                 PDI d   
               
               
                   
               
               
                 30a 
                 6000 
                 2800 
                 11600 
                 12203 
                 1.13 
               
               
                 30b 
                 6000 
                 5200 
                 17200 
                 20367 
                 1.07 
               
               
                 30c 
                 6000 
                 7400 
                 19400 
                 24363 
                 1.17 
               
               
                 34a 
                 1600 
                 2430 
                  5630 
                 10938 
                 1.05 
               
               
                 34b 
                 1600 
                 4800 
                  8000 
                 14749 
                 1.07 
               
               
                 34c 
                 1600 
                 7290 
                 10490 
                 21698 
                 1.09 
               
               
                 33a 
                 1600 
                 9720 
                 11320 
                 17494 
                 1.13 
               
               
                 33b 
                 1600 
                 14580  
                 16180 
                 28529 
                 1.13 
               
               
                   
               
               
                   a Reported by Aldrich and Gelest.  
               
               
                   b Calculated from the initial ratio of monomer to PCl 5  initiator at 100% conversion.  
               
               
                   c According to the starting molecular weights of the individual blocks of phosphazene and siloxane.  
               
               
                   d Obtained by GPC vs. polystyrene standards.  
               
             
          
         
       
     
     EXAMPLE 13 
     Synthesis of Polystyrene-block-Polyphosphazenes (23a) 
     Olefin-substituted aminopolyphosphazene 22 underwent hydrosilylation reaction with polystyrylhydrodimethylsilane 23 in the presence of a divinyldisiloxane:Pt catalyst to generate 23a. 
     Those skilled in the art will recognize, or be able to ascertain using no more than routine experimentation, many equivalents to the specific embodiments of the invention described herein. Such equivalents are intended to be encompassed by the following claims.