Polymer modifications represent a valuable synthetic approach to unique polymer compositions, structure, and properties not readily available by the direct polymerization of monomers. Modified polymeric products already exist in the commercial world (modified celluloses, for example) so the approach is not new. However, it is an interesting and chaU nging opportunity to develop new materials for a variety of specialty applications using the "chemistry on polymers" approach. This book contains papers presented at the symposium on Polymer Modification held at the National American Chemical Society Meeting in Orlando, Florida, August, 1996. The chemistry presented is broad ranging, and includes grafting and chemical oxidation reactions, and many other chemical modifications. Hopefully, the book will be both a resource and an inspiration for the reader to develop new opportunities for his or her particular applications. CONTENTS SURF ACE MODIFICATIONS The Preparation of Methyl Methacrylate/Methacrylic Anhydride Copolymers from PMMA and Dialkyl Amines via Reaction Extrusion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Michael P. Hallden-Abberton Grafting of Hindered Amine Groups on EPDM and Polyoctenamer via Photo- Hydroperoxidation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 J. Lacoste, S. Chmela, J. Pellet, and J. F. Pilichowski Reactive Gases as Reagents for Polymer Films Chemical Modifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 J. F. Pilichowski, S. Commereuc, 1. Lukac, G. Teissedre, and J. Lacoste The Synthesis of Hydrophobe-Modified Hydroxyethyl Cellulose Polymers Using Phase Transfer Catalysis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 Emmett M. Partain The Synthesis and Characterization of Polyesters Derived from L-Lactide and Variably-Sized Poly(Caprolactone) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45 Michael R. Lostocco and Samuel J.