Functionalized polypropylene copolymers

Abstract

A functionalized copolymer comprising propylene repeating units and ω-substituted α-olefin repeating units, is disclosed. Also disclosed are polymer blends comprising the functionalized polymer and po

Description

INTRODUCTION The invention relates to a functionalized copolymer comprising propylene repeating units and w-substituted ct-olefin repeating units. The invention also relates to polymer blends comprising the functionalized polymer and poly(propylene) as well as methods for producing the same. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Poly(propylene) is a common polyolefin useful in a wide variety of applications. Commercially, polyolefins (PO), namely polypropylene (PP) and polyethylene (PE), are synthesized at scale to meet the needs of a broad array of applications. Desirable and tunable properties coupled with low production costs are amongst the driving forces behind their utility. Control of key polymeric characteristics such as branching, molecular weight (Mn, Mw), and dispersities (Dm) are well studied both academically and industrially. However, there has been limited success industrially in deviating from the ubiquitous carbon and hydrogen backbone in a controlled manner; particularly, with respect to the incorporation of polar functionality. The copolymerization of olefins and polar comonomers is a well-documented pathway for incorporating functionality. A variety of polymeric architectures, principally block copolymers, with distinctly altered material properties have been synthesized in this way. However, widely employed early transition metal (groups III and IV) catalysts suffer from deactivation and significantly reduced activity due to (D-functional group (FG) coordination to the comonomer and backbiting oligomers to the electrophilic metal centers have limited the direct copolymerization of functional comonomers. Notably, Zr catalysts have exhibited tolerability towards to-halo coordination. Increased separation, within the functional comonomer, between a-olcfin and w-FG or excess Lewis-acidic masking reagents like methylaluminoxane (MAO) or AIR, have been utilized to aid comonomer enchainment. Late transition metal catalysts (Ni and Pd) have been utilized more extensively for the copolymerization of functional monomers with both propylene and ethylene due to their lower acidity and oxophilicity than early transition metal analogues. However, cost and toxicity hinder their large-scale application. Post-polymerization modification via C-H functionalization has been investigated to overcome low comonomer incorporation and polar monomer incompatibility. In principle, a multitude of covalent connections (C-C, C-N, C-O, C-B, C-S, and C-Halogen) are possible within poly-olefin systems, yet only chlorination and maleic anhydride grafting have been found to be industrially viable due to high cost, low efficiency, and the restrictions for dangerous solvents and reagents. Additionally, a variety of synthetic click chemistry pathways have been employed to further increase polar group content impacting molecular weight or polymeric morphologies. However, poly-olefin post-modification via traditional small molecule nucleophilic substitution chemistry presents solubility and purity complications and is subsequently less developed. Recently reported advances concerning improved end-group functionality have been achieved by quenching metal catalyzed polymerization in the presence of air, 02, I2, Br2, or S to yield PP-OH, PE-I (X = OH, I, and Br), and PE-S-PE. PP-OH were further modified via esterification to yield dye modified PP and PE-I / LDPE blends investigated for PE degradability through homolysis of the C-I bond. The latent reactivity’, different to traditional vinylic end groups, enables the further synthesis of a wider array of modified PO. However, a potential limitation stemming from end-group postmodification is the limitation of one functional group per chain; lowering the impact of the functionality with increasing MW. Circumventing the limited polar group incorporation level, synthesis of PO-polar block copolymers by a wide range of end group post-polymerization techniques has afforded materials able to span phase boundaries and improve immiscible polymer-polymer compatibility. Nevertheless, a need for poly(propylene)s with new and / or advanced properties remains. TECHNICAL OBJECT OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide functionalized poly(propylene)s having a significant amount of functional groups incorporated as well as a versatile and available preparation method applicable to industrial scales. The object is achieved by a copolymer comprising: propylene repeating units A; and w-substituted a-olefin repeating units B, wherein the w-substituted a-olefin repeating units B are each independently substituted by a moiety X selected from a group consisting of halogen, -NRiR2, -P(=O)(OR3)2, -OC(=O)-R4, -0R5, -SR6, -CR7(C(=O)OR8, -C^C-Ro, wherein Rt to R9 are each independently unsubstituted or substituted (i-2oC)alkyl, unsubstituted or substituted (2-2oC)alkenyl, unsubstituted or substituted (2-2oC)alkynyl, unsubstituted or substituted (i-2oC)alkoxy, unsubstituted or substituted (6-2oC)aryl, unsubstituted or substituted (2-2oC)heteroaiyl, unsubstituted or substituted (3-2oC)carbocyclyl, unsubstituted or substituted (2-2oC)heterocyclyl, unsubstituted or substituted (i-2oC)haloalkyl, and unsubstituted or substituted (1-20 C) hydroxyalkyl. Surprisingly, a methodology for the preparation of a diverse range of functionalized poly(propylene)s has been found. In particular, poly(propylene)-co-(n-bromo-i-undecene) (PP-Br) was employed as a tunable platform copolymer which can be readily functionalized. This allows the development of a series of covalent connections (C-O, C-N, C-S, C-P, and C-C) via a range of substitution pathways and reaction conditions yielding versatile PPs with properties suitable for an array of applications. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a copolymer comprising: propylene repeating units A; and (o-substituted a-olefin repeating units B, wherein the (o-substituted a-olefin repeating units B are each independently substituted by a moiety X selected from a group consisting of halogen, -NR,R2. -P(=O)(OR3)2, -OC(=O)-R4, -OR5, -SRh, -CR7(C(=O)ORs, -C=C-R9, wherein Ri to R9 are each independently unsubstituted or substituted (i-2oC)alkyl, unsubstituted or substituted (2-2oC)alkenyl, unsubstituted or substituted (2-2oC)alkynyl, unsubstituted or substituted (i-2oC)alkoxy, unsubstituted or substituted (6-2oC)aryl, unsubstituted or substituted (2-2oC)heteroaryl, unsubstituted or substituted (3-2oC)carbocyclyl, unsubstituted or substituted (2-2oC)heterocyclyl, unsubstituted or substituted (i-2oC)haloalkyl, and unsubstituted or substituted (i-2oC)hydroxyalkyl. According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a method for the preparation of a copolymer, the method comprising the steps of: a) providing a precursor copolymer comprising: (i) propylene repeating units A; and (ii) (o-substituted ct-olefin repeating units B, wherein X is halogen; and b) post-modifying the precursor polymer provided in step a), such that the (0-substituted a-olefin repeating units B, wherein X is halogen, are converted into (0-substituted a-olefin repeating units B, wherein the o-substituted a-olefin repeating units B are each independently substituted by a moiety X selected from a group consisting of halogen, -NRjR2, -P(=O)(OR3)2, -00(=0)-1^, -0R5, -SRe, -CR7(C(=O)OR8, -C=C-R9, wherein Ri to R9 are each independently unsubstituted or substituted (i-2oC)alkyl, unsubstituted or substituted (2-2oC)alkenyl, unsubstituted or substituted (2-2oC)alkynyl, unsubstituted or substituted (1-2oC)alkoxy, unsubstituted or substituted (6-2oC)aryl, unsubstituted or substituted (2-2oC)heteroaryl, unsubstituted or substituted (3-2oC)carbocyclyl, unsubstituted or substituted (2-2oC)heterocyclyl, unsubstituted or substituted (1-2oC)haloalkyl, and unsubstituted or substituted (1-20 C) hydroxy alkyl. Suitably, the method of the second aspect of the invention is a method for the preparation of a polymer of the first aspect of the invention. According to a third aspect of the invention there is provided a polymer obtained, directly obtained or obtainable by the method of the second aspect of the invention. According to a fourth aspect of the invention there is provided a polymer blend comprising: a polymer of the first or third aspect of the invention; and poly(propylene). According to a fifth aspect of the invention there is a provided a method for the preparation of a polymer blend, the method comprising the steps of: a) providing a precursor copolymer comprising: (i) propylene repeating units A; and (ii) co-substituted a-olefin repeating units B, wherein X is halogen; and b) post-modifying the precursor copolymer provided in step a), such that the to-substituted a-olefin repeating units B, wherein X is halogen, are converted into to-substituted a-olefin repeating units B, wherein the to-substituted ct-olefin repeating units B are each independently substituted by a moiety X selected from a group consisting of halogen, -NRiR2, -P(=O)(OR3)2, -OC(=O)-R4, -OR5, -SRe, -CR7(C(=O)ORs, -C=C-R9, wherein Ri to R9 are each independently unsubstituted or substituted (i-2oC)alkyl, unsubstituted or substituted (2-2oC)alkenyl, unsubstituted or substituted (2-2oC)alkynyl, unsubstituted or substituted (1-2oC)alkoxy, unsubstituted or substituted (6-2oC)aryl, unsubstituted or substituted (2-2oC)heteroaryl, unsubstituted or substituted (3-2oC)carbocyclyl, unsubstituted or substituted (2-2oC)heterocyclyl, unsubstituted or substituted (1-2oC)haloalkyl, and unsubstituted or substituted (i-2oC)hydroxyalkyl; and c) mixing the copolymer resulting from step b) with poly(propylene). Suitably, the process of the fifth aspect of the invention is a method for the preparation of a polymer blend of the fourth aspect of the invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Definitions The term "(m-nC)" or "(m-nC) group" used alone or as a prefix, refers to any group having m to n carbon atoms. The term “alkyl” as used herein refers to straight or branched chain alkyl moieties, typically having 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6 carbon atoms. This term includes reference to groups such as methyl, ethyl, propyl (n-propyl or isopropyl), butyl (n-butyl, sec-butyl or tertbutyl), pentyl, hexyl and the like. Most suitably, an alkyl may have 1, 2, 3 or 4 carbon atoms. The term “alkylene” as used herein refers to a divalent equivalent of an alkyl group as described above. The term “alkenyl” as used herein refers to straight or branched chain alkenyl moieties, typically having 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6 carbon atoms. The term includes reference to alkenyl moieties containing 1, 2 or 3 carbon-carbon double bonds (C=C). This term includes reference to groups such as ethenyl (vinyl), propenyl (allyl), butenyl, pentenyl and hexenyl, as well as both the cis and trans isomers thereof. The term “alkenylene” as used herein refers to a divalent equivalent of an alkenyl group as described above. The term “alkynyl” as used herein refers to straight or branched chain alkynyl moieties, typically having 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6 carbon atoms. The term includes reference to alkynyl moieties containing 1, 2 or 3 carbon-carbon triple bonds (OC). This term includes reference to groups such as ethynyl, propynyl, butynyl, pentynyl and hexynyl. The term “alkynylene” as used herein refers to a divalent equivalent of an alkynyl group as described above. The term “alkoxy” as used herein refers to -O-alkyl, wherein alkyl is a straight or branched chain and comprises 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6 carbon atoms. In one class of embodiments, alkoxy has 1, 2, 3 or 4 carbon atoms. This term includes reference to groups such as methoxy, ethoxy, propoxy, isopropoxy, butoxy, tert-butoxy, pentoxy, hexoxy and the like. The term "aryl" or “aromatic” as used herein means an aromatic ring system comprising 6, 7, 8, 9 or 10 ring carbon atoms. Aryl is often phenyl but maybe a polycyclic ring system, having wo or more rings, at least one of which is aromatic. This term includes reference to groups such as phenyl, naphthyl and the like. The term “heteroaryl” or “heteroaromatic” means an aromatic mono-, bi-, or polycyclic ring incorporating one or more (for example 1-4, particularly 1, 2 or 3) heteroatoms selected from nitrogen, oxygen or sulfur. Examples of heteroaryl groups are monocyclic and bicyclic groups containing from five to twelve ring members, and more usually from five to ten ring members. The heteroaryl group can be, for example, a 5- or 6-membered monocyclic ring or a 9- or 10-membered bicyclic ring, for example a bicyclic structure formed from fused five and six membered rings or two fused six membered rings. Each ring may contain up to about four heteroatoms typically selected from nitrogen, sulfur and oxygen. Typically, the heteroaryl ring will contain up to 3 heteroatoms, more usually up to 2, for example a single heteroatom. The term “carbocyclyl”, “carbocyclic” or “carbocycle” means a non-aromatic saturated or partially saturated monocyclic, or a fused, bridged, or spiro bicyclic carbocyclic ring system(s). Monocyclic carbocyclic rings contain from about 3 to 12 (suitably from 3 to 7) ring atoms. Bicyclic carbocycles contain from 7 to 17 carbon atoms in the rings, suitably 7 to 12 carbon atoms, in the rings. Bicyclic carbocyclic rings may be fused, spiro, or bridged ring systems. The term “heterocyclyl”, “heterocyclic” or “heterocycle” means a non-aromatic saturated or partially saturated monocyclic, fused, bridged, or spiro bicyclic heterocyclic ring system(s). Monocyclic heterocyclic rings contain from about 3 to 12 (suitably from 3 to 7) ring atoms, with from 1 to 5 (suitably 1, 2 or 3) heteroatoms selected from nitrogen, oxygen or sulfur in the ring. Bicyclic heterocycles contain from 7 to 17 member atoms, suitably 7 to 12 member atoms, in the ring. Bicyclic heterocyclic(s) rings may be fused, spiro, or bridged ring systems. The term "halogen" or “halo” as used herein refers to F, Cl, Br or I. In particular, halogen may be F or Cl or Br, of which Cl and Br are more common. The term “haloalkyl” is used herein to refer to an alkyl group in which one or more hydrogen atoms have been replaced by halogen (e.g., fluorine) atoms. Often, haloalkyl is fluoroalkyl. Examples of haloalkyl groups include -CH2F, -CHF2 and -CF3. The term “substituted” as used herein in reference to a moiety means that one or more, especially up to 5 of the hydrogen atoms in said moiety are replaced independently of each other by the corresponding number of the described substituents. Preferably, “substituted” as used herein in reference to a moiety means that 1,2 or 3, of the hydrogen atoms in said moiety are replaced independently of each other by the corresponding number of the described substituents. Even more preferred, “substituted” as used herein in reference to a moiety means that 1 or 2, of the hydrogen atoms in said moiety are replaced independently of each other by the corresponding number of the described substituents. The term “optionally substituted” as used herein means substituted or unsubstituted. It will, of course, be understood that substituents are only at positions where they are chemically possible, the person skilled in the art being able to decide (either experimentally or theoretically) without inappropriate effort whether a particular substitution is possible. As used herein, references to flame retardancy will be understood to embrace fire retardancy, and vice versa. Throughout the entirety of the description and claims of this specification, where subject matter is described herein using the term “comprise” (or “comprises” or “comprising”), the same subject matter instead described using the term “consist of’ (or “consists of’ or “consisting of’) or “consist essentially of’ (or “consists essentially of’ or “consisting essentially of’) is also contemplated. Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the singular encompasses the plural unless the context otherwise requires. In particular, where the indefinite article is used, the specification is to be understood as contemplating plurality’ as well as singularity, unless the context requires otherwise. Features described in conjunction with a particular aspect, embodiment or example of the invention are to be understood to be applicable to any other aspect, embodiment or example described herein unless incompatible therewith. All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and / or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and / or steps are mutually exclusive. The invention is not restricted to the details of any of the specific embodiments recited herein. The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings) and / or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed. Unless otherwise specified, where the quantity or concentration of a particular component of a given product is specified as a weight percentage (wt% or %w / w), said weight percentage refers to the percentage of said component by weight relative to the total weight of the product as a whole. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the sum of weight percentages of all components of a product will total too wt%. However, where not all components are listed (e.g., where a product is said to “comprise” one or more particular components), the weight percentage balance may optionally be made up to 100 wt% by unspecified ingredients. Copolymers In a first aspect, the invention provides a copolymer comprising: propylene repeating units A; and w-substituted ct-olefin repeating units B, wherein the w-substituted ct-olefin repeating units B are each independently substituted by a moiety X selected from a group consisting of halogen, -NRiR2, -P(=0)(0R3)2, -OC(=O)-R4, -OR5, -SR6, -CR7(C(=O)ORs, -C=C-R9, wherein Ri to R9 are each independently unsubstituted or substituted (1-2oC)alkyl, unsubstituted or substituted (2-2oC)alkenyl, unsubstituted or substituted (2-2oC)alkynyl, unsubstituted or substituted (i-2oC)alkoxy, unsubstituted or substituted (6-2oC)aryl, unsubstituted or substituted (2-2oC)heteroaiyl, unsubstituted or substituted (3-2oC)carbocyclyl, unsubstituted or substituted (2-2oC)heterocyclyl, unsubstituted or substituted (i-2oC)haloalkyl, and unsubstituted or substituted (1-20 C) hydroxyalkyl. Through extensive investigations, the inventors have devised new functionalized poly(propylene) copolymers suitable for an array of applications. The term “propylene repeating unit” refers to a propylenic (i.e., -CH2-CH(CH3)-) unit of the polymer. Thus, each propylene repeating unit, A, has the structural formula: The copolymer may comprise 80-99.5 mol% of propylene repeating units A. Suitably, the copolymer comprises 83.-99.0 mol% of propylene repeating units A. The quantity of propylene repeating units A, in the copolymer can be calculated by integration of peaks recorded by 'H NMRin C2D2C14 at 130 °C. More suitably, the copolymer comprises 84.0-98.5 mol% of propylene repeating units A. Even more suitably, the copolymer comprises 88.0-98.0 mol% of propylene repeating units A. Yet even more suitably, the copolymer comprises 91.5-96.5 mol% of propylene repeating units A. In embodiments, the copolymer comprises 92-96.25 mol% of propylene repeating units A. The phrase “to-substituted a-olefin repeating unit B” refers to an ethylenic (e.g., -CH2-CH2-) unit of the copolymer substituted with an alkyl chain having a moiety X in w-position. Suitably, each to-substituted a-olefin repeating unit B comprises independently one moiety X. The copolymer may comprise 0.5-20 mol% of to-substituted a-olefin repeating units B. Suitably, the copolymer comprises 1.0-17.0 mol% of to-substituted a-olefin repeating units B. The quantity of to-substituted a-olefin repeating units B in the copolymer can be calculated by integration of peaks recorded by 'H NMR in C2D2C14 at 130 °C. More suitably, the copolymer comprises 1.5-16.0 mol% of to-substituted a-olefin repeating units B. Even more suitably, the copolymer comprises 2.0-12.0 mol% of to-substituted a-olefin repeating units B. Yet even more suitably, the copolymer comprises 3.5-8.5 mol% of to-substituted a-olefin repeating units B. In embodiments, the copolymer comprises 3.75-8 mol% of to-substituted a-olefin repeating units B. In embodiments, the copolymer comprises: (i) 80-99.5 mol% of propylene repeating units, A, and (ii) 0.5-20 mol% of (o-substituted a-olcfin repeating units B. In embodiments, the copolymer comprises: (i) 83.0-99.0 mol% of propylene repeating units, A, and (ii) 1.0-17.0 mol% of w-substituted a-olefin repeating units B. In embodiments, the copolymer comprises: (i) 84.0-98.5 mol% of propylene repeating units, A, and (ii) 1.5-16.0 mol% of to-substituted a-olefin repeating units B. In embodiments, the copolymer comprises: (i) 88.0-98.0 mol% of propylene repeating units, A, and (ii) 2.0-12.0 mol% of to-substituted ct-olefin repeating units B. In embodiments, the copolymer comprises: (i) 91.5-96.5 mol% of propylene repeating units, A, and (ii) 3.5-8.5 mol% of to-substituted a-olefin repeating units B. In embodiments, the copolymer comprises: (i) 92-96.25 mol% of propylene repeating units, A, and (ii) 3.75-8 mol% of to-substituted a-olefin repeating units B. Each to-substituted a-olefin repeating unit B, may independently have the structural formula Bi: Y (B1) wherein Y is linking group connecting Ci to X; and X is selected from a group consisting of halogen, -NRiR2, -P(=O)(OR3)2, -OC(=O)-R4, -OR5, -SR6, -CR7(C(=O)OR8, -C=C-R9j wherein R, to R9 are each independently unsubstituted or substituted (i-2oC)alkyl, unsubstituted or substituted (2-2oC)alkenyl, unsubstituted or substituted (2-2oC)alkynyl, unsubstituted or substituted (1-2oC)alkoxy, unsubstituted or substituted (6-2oC)aryl, unsubstituted or substituted (2-2oC)heteroaryl, unsubstituted or substituted (3-2oC)carbocyclyl, unsubstituted or substituted (2-2oC)heterocyclyl, unsubstituted or substituted (i-2oC)haloalkyl, and unsubstituted or substituted (i-2oC)hydroxyalkyl. Preferably, X may be selected from a group consisting of -NR,R2, -P(=0)(0R3)2, -0C(=0)-R4, -OR5, -SR6, -CR7(C(=O)OR8, -C=C-R9, wherein Ri to R9 are each independently unsubstituted or substituted (i-2oC)alkyl, unsubstituted or substituted (2-2oC)alkenyl, unsubstituted or substituted (2-2oC)alkynyl, unsubstituted or substituted (t-2oC)alkoxy, unsubstituted or substituted (6-2oC)aryl, unsubstituted or substituted (2-2oC)heteroaryl, unsubstituted or substituted (3-2oC)carbocyclyl, unsubstituted or substituted (2-2oC)heterocyclyl, unsubstituted or substituted (1-2oC)haloalkyl, and unsubstituted or substituted (i-2oC)hydroxyalkyl. Preferably, Ri to R9 may be each independently unsubstituted or substituted (i-i2C)alkyl, unsubstituted or substituted (2-i2C)alkenyl, unsubstituted or substituted (2-i2C)alkynyl, unsubstituted or substituted (i-i2C)alkoxy, unsubstituted or substituted (6-i2C)aryl, unsubstituted or substituted (2-i2C)heteroaryl, unsubstituted or substituted (3-i2C)carbocyclyl, unsubstituted or substituted (2-i2C)heterocyclyl, unsubstituted or substituted (i-i2C)haloalkyl, and unsubstituted or substituted (i-i2C)hydroxyalkyl. More preferably, Ri to R, may be each independently unsubstituted or substituted (1-ioC)alkyl, unsubstituted or substituted (2-ioC)alkenyl, unsubstituted or substituted (2-loC)alkynyl, unsubstituted or substituted (i-ioC)alkoxy, unsubstituted or substituted (6-10 C) aryl, unsubstituted or substituted (2-ioC)heteroaryl, unsubstituted or substituted (3-ioC)carbocyclyl, unsubstituted or substituted (2-ioC)heterocyclyl, unsubstituted or substituted (i-ioC)haloalkyl, and unsubstituted or substituted (1-toQhydroxyalkyl. Even more preferably, Ri to R9 may be each independently unsubstituted or substituted (i-6C)alkyl, unsubstituted or substituted (2-6C)alkenyl, unsubstituted or substituted (2-6C)alkynyl, unsubstituted or substituted (1-6C) alkoxy, unsubstituted or substituted (6-ioC)aryl, unsubstituted or substituted (2-6C)heteroaryl, unsubstituted or substituted (3-6C)carbocyclyl, unsubstituted or substituted (2-6C)heterocyclyl, unsubstituted or substituted (i-6C)haloalkyl, and unsubstituted or substituted (i-6C)hydroxyalkyl. Y may link Ci to X by 5-18 bridging atoms. The term “bridging atoms” refers to the fewest number of atoms directly connecting Ci to X. For example, when Y links Ci to X by 5 bridging atoms, this could mean that Y is a pentylene group (i.e., 5 carbons atoms directly connecting Cl to X). In this case, all other atoms not directly connecting Cl to X (e.g., H atoms) are not bridging atoms. Suitably, Y links Cl to X by 5-12 bridging atoms. More suitably, Y links Ci to X by 5-9 bridging atoms. In embodiments, Y links Ci to X by 5 bridging atoms. In a most preferred embodiment, Y links Ci to X by 9 bridging atoms. Y may be an alkylene, an alkenylene or an alkynylene group linking Cl to X. Suitably, Y is a (5-i8C)alkylene group, a (5-i8C)alkenylene group, or a (5-i8C)alkynylene group linking Cl to X. More suitably, Y is a (5-i2C)alkylene group, a (5-12C)alkenylene group, or a (5-i2C)alkynylene group linking Ci to X. Yet more suitably, Y is a (5-gC)alkylene group linking Ci to X. In embodiments, Y is a 5C alkylene group linking Ci to X. In a most preferred embodiment, Y is a 9C alkylene group linking Cl to X. In embodiments, Y is selected from: wherein denotes the point of attachment to Ci; and * denotes the point of attachment to X. Accordingly, each w-substituted a-olefin repeating unit B may independently have the structural formula: , wherein X is as defined herein. The distribution of repeating units A and B within the copolymer may be random (e.g., propylene repeating units, A, and w-substituted ct-olefin repeating units B are present in any order in the copolymer). The w-substituted ct-olefin repeating units B may be randomly distributed along the length of the copolymer. It may be that the copolymer end groups are propylene repeating units A. Preferably, the w-substituted a-olefin repeating units B, are randomly distributed along the length of the polymer and the polymer end groups are propylene repeating units A. The copolymer may have a -C-C- backbone (i.e., the polymer backbone consists of / consists essentially of carbon atoms). In embodiments of the invention defined herein, the copolymer may consist of / consist essentially of propylene repeating units A, and to-substituted ct-olefin repeating units B. The copolymer may also be linear (e.g., units of the copolymer are arranged in a straight line) or branched (e.g., linear polymer chain substituted with one or more polymer chains along its length). Preferably, the copolymer may have monomodal molecular weight distribution as measured by SEC. The number average molecular weight Mn of the copolymer may be in the range from 1,000 to 400,000 g / mol, preferably 2,000 to 300,000 g / mol, more preferably 3,000 to 250,000 g / mol, most preferably 4,000 to 225,000 g / mol. In a specific embodiment, the number average molecular weight Mn of the copolymer maybe 40,000 g / mol or more, preferably 50,000 g / mol or more, and / or 300,000 g / mol or less, preferably 250,000 g / mol or less. The weight average molecular weight Mw of the copolymer may be in the range from 5,000 to 600,000 g / mol, preferably 6,000 to 550,000 g / mol, more preferably 20,000 to 400,000 g / mol, most preferably 40,000 to 325,000 g / mol. In a specific embodiment, the weight average molecular weight Mw of the copolymer may be 40,000 g / mol or more, preferably 50,000 g / mol or more, and / or 600,000 g / mol or less, preferably 350,000 g / mol or less. The polydispersity Dm of the copolymer may be in the range from 1.3 to 6.0, preferably 1-5 to 4.9. In a preferred embodiment, the number average molecular weight Mn of the copolymer maybe in the range from 3,000 to 15,000 g / mol and the polydispersity of the copolymer maybe in the range from 1.5 to 2.5. In another preferred embodiment, the number average molecular weight Mn of the copolymer may be in the range from 20,000 to 225,000 g / mol and the polydispersity of the copolymer may be in the range from 2.0 to 4.9. The copolymer may be atactic, isotactic or syndiotactic. In embodiments, the copolymer may be atactic. In embodiments, the copolymer may be isotactic. Preferably, the copolymer may have mmmm pentads of 80% or more, more preferably 90% or more, even more preferably 95% or more, most preferably 98% or more. In embodiments, the copolymer may be syndiotactic. Preferably, the copolymer may have rrrr pentads of 50% or more, more preferably 60% or more, most preferably 70% or more. It is believed that the copolymer properties can be further tuned by adjusting Mn, W, f)m, tacticity and comonomer incorporation with respect to the targeted application. Post-polymerization modification According to the present invention, copolymers comprising: propylene repeating units A; and w-substituted a-olefin repeating units B, wherein the w-substituted ct-olefin repeating units B are each independently substituted by a moiety X selected from a group consisting of halogen, -NR,R2. -P(=0)(0R3)2, -OC(=O)-R4, -OR5, -SRe, -CR7(C(=O)ORs, -C=C-R9, wherein Ri to R9 are each independently unsubstituted or substituted (1-20 C) alkyl, unsubstituted or substituted (2-2oC)alkenyl, unsubstituted or substituted (2-2oC)alkynyl, unsubstituted or substituted (i-2oC)alkoxy, unsubstituted or substituted (6-2oC)aryl, unsubstituted or substituted (2-2oC)heteroaiyl, unsubstituted or substituted (3~2oC)carbocyclyl, unsubstituted or substituted (2-2oC)heterocyclyl, unsubstituted or substituted (i-2oC)haloalkyl, and unsubstituted or substituted (1-2oC)hydroxyalkyl can be obtained by a) providing a precursor copolymer comprising: (i) propylene repeating units A; and (ii) w-substituted a-olefin repeating units B, wherein X is halogen; and b) post-modifying the precursor polymer provided in step a), such that the (o-substituted a-olefin repeating units B, wherein X is halogen, are converted into w-substituted a-olefin repeating units B, wherein the w-substituted a-olefin repeating units B are each independently substituted by a moiety X selected from a group consisting of halogen, -NRiR2, -P(=O)(OR3)2, -OC(=O)-R4, -OR5, -SRs, -CR7(C(=O)OR8, -C=C-R9, wherein Rt to R9 are each independently unsubstituted or substituted (i-2oC)alkyl, unsubstituted or substituted (2-2oC)alkenyl, unsubstituted or substituted (2-2oC)alkynyl, unsubstituted or substituted (i-2oC)alkoxy, unsubstituted or substituted (6-2oC)aryl, unsubstituted or substituted (2-2oC)heteroaiyl, unsubstituted or substituted (3-2oC)carbocyclyl, unsubstituted or substituted (2-2oC)heterocyclyl, unsubstituted or substituted (i-2oC)haloalkyl, and unsubstituted or substituted (1-20 C) hydroxyalkyl. A particularly preferred precursor copolymer is poly(propylene)-co-n-bromo-i-undecene (PPBr). Three straightforward and generally applicable synthetic routes using precursor copolymers, such as PPb., as a platform for the synthesis of modified copolymers are provided. These pathways for modification may be summarized into the following categories: Forcing conditions (A); high temperature, long reaction times, and large modifier. Mild nucleophilic substitutions; either base-mediated (B), or, by salt metathesis (C). Pathway (A) may require reaction temperatures of 150-180 °C and reaction times of 6 to 96 h. In general, reaction temperatures and reaction times may increase with increasing molecular weight of the precursor copolymer. Pathways (B) and (C) may require reaction temperatures of 60-120 °C and reaction times of 12 to 96 h. In general, reaction temperatures and reaction times may increase with increasing molecular weight of the precursor copolymer. Particularly preferably, the conversion maybe quantitative. More preferably, the amount of residual moieties X, wherein X is halogen, may be less than 1.0 wt%, even more preferably less than 0.5 wt%, most preferably less than 0.3 wt% as measured by oxygen combustion flask technique. C-N modification In a first embodiment, the moiety X is -NRiR2. The moiety X being -NRiR2 may be obtained by reacting the precursor copolymer with secondary amines HNRtR2, such as HNEt2, HN(Et)(EtOH), HN(EtOH)2. Ri to R2 are each independently unsubstituted or substituted (i-2oC)alkyl, unsubstituted or substituted (2-2oC)alkenyl, unsubstituted or substituted (2-2oC)alkynyl, unsubstituted or substituted (i-2oC)alkoxy, unsubstituted or substituted (6-2oC)aryl, unsubstituted or substituted (2-2oC)heteroaryl, unsubstituted or substituted (3-2oC)carbocyclyl, unsubstituted or substituted (2-2oC)heterocyclyl, unsubstituted or substituted (i-2oC)haloafkyl, and unsubstituted or substituted (i-2oC)hydroxyalkyl. Preferably, Ri to R2 maybe each independently unsubstituted or substituted (i-i2C)alkyl, unsubstituted or substituted (2-i2C)alkenyl, unsubstituted or substituted (2-i2C)alkynyl, unsubstituted or substituted (i-i2C)alkoxy, unsubstituted or substituted (6-i2C)aryl, unsubstituted or substituted (2-i2C)heteroaryl, unsubstituted or substituted (3-i2C)carbocyclyl, unsubstituted or substituted (2-i2C)heterocyclyl, unsubstituted or substituted (i-i2C)haloalkyl, and unsubstituted or substituted (i-i2C)hydroxyalkyl. More preferably, Ri to R2 may be each independently unsubstituted or substituted (1-ioC)alkyl, unsubstituted or substituted (2-ioC)alkenyl, unsubstituted or substituted (2- ioC)alkynyl, unsubstituted or substituted (i-ioC)alkoxy, unsubstituted or substituted (6-10 C) aryl, unsubstituted or substituted (2-ioC)heteroaryl, unsubstituted or substituted (3-ioC)carbocyclyl, unsubstituted or substituted (2-ioC)heterocyclyl, unsubstituted or substituted (l-ioC)haloalkyl, and unsubstituted or substituted Clio C)hydroxyalkyl. Even more preferably, Ri to R2 may be each independently unsubstituted or substituted (i-6C)alkyl, unsubstituted or substituted (2-6C)alkenyl, unsubstituted or substituted (2-6C)alkynyl, unsubstituted or substituted (1-6C) alkoxy, unsubstituted or substituted (6-loC)aryl, unsubstituted or substituted (2-6C)heteroaryl, unsubstituted or substituted (3-6C)carbocyclyl, unsubstituted or substituted (2-6C)heterocyclyl, unsubstituted or substituted (i-6C)haloalkyl, and unsubstituted or substituted (i-6C)hydroxyalkyl. In particular embodiments Rt to R2 may be each independently unsubstituted or substituted (i-6C)alkyl, or unsubstituted or substituted (i-6C)hydroxyalkyl, preferably (i-4C)alkyl, or unsubstituted or substituted (i-4C)hydroxyalkyl, more preferably (1-3C)alkyl, or unsubstituted or substituted (i-3C)hydroxyalkyl, most preferably ethyl or ethyl-OH. The melting points of the amine-functionalized copolymers may be in the range from 80 to 140 °C, preferably 90 to 135 °C as measured by DSC. The amine amine-functionalized copolymers may have a lap shear strength for steel in the range from 1.5 to 15 MPa, preferably 1.6 to 5.5 MPa. The amine amine-functionalized copolymers may have a lap shear strength for aluminium in the range from 2.0 to 25 MPa, preferably 2.5 to 4.5 MPa. The copolymer according to the first embodiment may be used as a hot melt adhesive. C-P modification Post-polymerization modification with -P(=O)(OR3)2 provides new poly(propylene) copolymers with enhanced flame retardancy and thermal stability, making them ideally suited for use in applications which require improved flame retardant properties and / or thermal stability. In particular, the presence of phosphonated a-olefin repeating units B has the effect of markedly improving the thermal degradation properties of the poly(propylene) copolymer. Advantageously, the poly(propylene) copolymers are devoid of the drawbacks associated with halogenated flame retardant polyolefins (e.g., high persistence and toxicity), and can be straightforwardly prepared using a two-step synthetic process. In a second embodiment, the moiety X is -P(=0)(0R3)2. Preferably, each R3 is independently selected from (1-6C) alkyl and aryl, wherein each R3 is optionally substituted. More preferably, each R3 is independently selected from (i-6C)alkyl and phenyl, wherein each R3 is optionally substituted. Even more preferably, each R3 is independently selected from methyl, propyl, butyl, pentyl, hexyl and phenyl, wherein each R3 is optionally substituted. Yet more preferably, each R3 is independently selected from isopropyl and phenyl, wherein each R is optionally substituted. In embodiments wherein R3 is (i-6C)alkyl (or a subset thereof), each R3 may be substituted with one or more groups R’ independently selected from aryl, heteroaryl, carbocyclyl, heterocyclyl, halo, hydroxy, cyano and nitro. Suitably, each R’ is independently selected from phenyl, heteroaryl, halo and hydroxy. In embodiments wherein R3 is aryl (or a subset thereof), each R3 maybe substituted with one or more groups R” independently selected from (i-6C)alkyl, (i-6C)haloalkyl, (1-6C)alkoxy, (i-6C)alkenyl, (i-6C)alkynyl, aryl, heteroaryl, carbocyclyl, heterocyclyl, halo, hydroxy, cyano and nitro. Suitably, each R” is independently selected from (i-3C)alkyl, (i-3C)haloalkyl, (i-3C)alkoxy, phenyl, heteroaryl, halo and hydroxy. Each R3 may be unsubstituted. In embodiments, each R3 is independently selected from methyl, propyl, butyl, pentyl, hexyl and phenyl. In embodiments, each R3 is independently selected from iso-propyl and phenyl. Each R3 may be identical. In embodiments, each R3 is iso-propyl. In embodiments, each R3 is phenyl. In embodiments, each (o-substituted a-olefin repeating unit B is independently selected from: , and The copolymer may have a melting temperature (Tm) of 70-100 °C. The melting temperature (Tm) of the copolymer can be determined by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) within a temperature range of 30-180 °C at a rate of 20 °C min1. Suitably, the copolymer has a melting temperature (Tm) of 75-97 °C. More suitably, the copolymer has a melting temperature (Tm) of 76-95 °C. The copolymer according to the second embodiment may be used as a flame retardant. C-O modification In a third embodiment, the moiety X is -00(=0)-1^. X being -00(=0)-1^ may be obtained by reacting the precursor copolymer with organic acids H0C(=0)-R4 or esters R0C(=0)-R4, such as MeC02H, PHC02H, CH2CHC02H, in presence of a non-nucleophilic organic base, such as i,8-Diazabicyclo[5.4.o]undec-7-ene (DBU). Rj is unsubstituted or substituted (i-2oC)alkyl, unsubstituted or substituted (2-20 C) alkenyl, unsubstituted or substituted (2-2oC)alkynyl, unsubstituted or substituted (i-2oC)alkoxy, unsubstituted or substituted (6-2oC)aryl, unsubstituted or substituted (2-2oC)heteroaryl, unsubstituted or substituted (3-2oC)carbocyclyl, unsubstituted or substituted (2-2oC)heterocyclyl, unsubstituted or substituted (i-2oC)haloalkyl, and unsubstituted or substituted (i-2oC)hydroxyalkyl. Preferably, R4 may be unsubstituted or substituted (i-i2C)alkyl, unsubstituted or substituted (2-i2C)alkenyl, unsubstituted or substituted (2-i2C)alkynyl, unsubstituted or substituted (i-i2C)alkoxy, unsubstituted or substituted (6-i2C)aryl, unsubstituted or substituted (2-i2C)heteroaryl, unsubstituted or substituted (3-i2C)carbocyclyl, unsubstituted or substituted (2-i2C)heterocyelyl, unsubstituted or substituted (1-i2C)haloalkyl, and unsubstituted or substituted (i-i2C)hydroxyalkyl. More preferably, R4 may be unsubstituted or substituted (l-ioC)alkyl, unsubstituted or substituted (2-ioC)alkenyl, unsubstituted or substituted (2-ioC)alkynyl, unsubstituted or substituted (i-ioC)alkoxy, unsubstituted or substituted (6-ioC)aryl, unsubstituted or substituted (2-ioC)heteroaryl, unsubstituted or substituted (3-ioC)carbocyclyl, unsubstituted or substituted (2-ioC)heterocyclyl, unsubstituted or substituted (1-ioC)haloalkyl, and unsubstituted or substituted (l-ioC)hydroxyalkyl. Even more preferably, R4 maybe unsubstituted or substituted (i-6C)alkyl, unsubstituted or substituted (2-6C)alkenyl, unsubstituted or substituted (2-6C)alkynyl, unsubstituted or substituted (i-6C)alkoxy, unsubstituted or substituted (6-ioC)aryl, unsubstituted or substituted (2-6C)heteroaryl, unsubstituted or substituted (3-6C)carbocyclyl, unsubstituted or substituted (2-6C)heterocyclyl, unsubstituted or substituted (1-6C)haloalkyl, and unsubstituted or substituted (i-6C)hydroxyalkyl. In particular embodiments R4 may be unsubstituted or substituted (i-6C)alkyl, or unsubstituted or substituted (1-6C) alkenyl, preferably (i-4C)alkyl, or unsubstituted or substituted (i-4C)alkenyl, more preferably (i~3C)alkyl, or unsubstituted or substituted (i-3C)alkcnyl, most preferably methyl, phenyl or vinyl. The melting points of the ester-functionalized copolymers may be in the range from 80 to 140 °C, preferably 90 to 135 °C as measured by DSC. In particular, ester-functionalized copolymers wherein R4 is alkenyl may be further crosslinked by thermal treatment or by vulcanization with sulfur. Furthermore, ester-functionalized copolymers wherein R4 is alkenyl may be used for thiol-ene click chemistry. The cross-linked copolymers according to the third embodiment may be used as a synthetic rubber. In a fourth embodiment, the moiety X is -OR5. X being -OR5 may be obtained by reacting the precursor copolymer with salts, such as Li+ or K+ salts, of organic compounds HOR5, such as phenol. R5 is unsubstituted or substituted (i-2oC)alkyl, unsubstituted or substituted (2-20 C) alkenyl, unsubstituted or substituted (2-2oC)alkynyl, unsubstituted or substituted (i-2oC)alkoxy, unsubstituted or substituted (6-2oC)aryl, unsubstituted or substituted (2-2oC)heteroaryl, unsubstituted or substituted (3-2oC)carbocyclyl, unsubstituted or substituted (2-2oC)heterocyclyl, unsubstituted or substituted (i-2oC)haloalkyl, and unsubstituted or substituted (i-2oC)hydroxyalkyl. Preferably, R5 may be unsubstituted or substituted (i-i2C)alkyl, unsubstituted or substituted (2-i2C)alkenyl, unsubstituted or substituted (2-i2C)alkynyl, unsubstituted or substituted (i-i2C)alkoxy, unsubstituted or substituted (6-i2C)aryl, unsubstituted or substituted (2-i2C)heteroaryl, unsubstituted or substituted (3-i2C)carbocyclyl, unsubstituted or substituted (2-i2C)heterocyclyl, unsubstituted or substituted (1-i2C)haloalkyl, and unsubstituted or substituted (i-i2C)hydroxyalkyl. More preferably, R5 may be unsubstituted or substituted (l-ioC)alkyl, unsubstituted or substituted (2-ioC)alkenyl, unsubstituted or substituted (2-ioC)alkynyl, unsubstituted or substituted (i-ioC)alkoxy, unsubstituted or substituted (6-ioC)aryl, unsubstituted or substituted (2-ioC)heteroaryl, unsubstituted or substituted (3-ioC)carbocyclyl, unsubstituted or substituted (2-ioC)heterocyclyl, unsubstituted or substituted (1-ioC)haloalkyl, and unsubstituted or substituted (l-ioC)hydroxyalkyl. Even more preferably, R5 may be unsubstituted or substituted (i-6C)alkyl, unsubstituted or substituted (2-6C)alkenyl, unsubstituted or substituted (2-6C)alkynyl, unsubstituted or substituted (i-6C)alkoxy, unsubstituted or substituted (6-ioC)aryl, unsubstituted or substituted (2-6C)heteroaryl, unsubstituted or substituted (3-6C)carbocyclyl, unsubstituted or substituted (2-6C)heterocyclyl, unsubstituted or substituted (1-6C)haloalkyl, and unsubstituted or substituted (i-6C)hydroxyalkyl. In particular embodiments R5 may be unsubstituted or substituted (6-ioC)aryl, preferably unsubstituted or substituted (6C)aryl, most preferably phenyl. The melting points of the ether-functionalized copolymers may be in the range from 80 to 120 °C, preferably 90 to 110 °C as measured by DSC. C-S modification In a fifth embodiment, the moiety X is -SRe. X being -SR(1 may be obtained by reacting the precursor copolymer with thiols HSRh, such as HSC12H24. Rb is unsubstituted or substituted (i-2oC)alkyl, unsubstituted or substituted (2-20 C) alkenyl, unsubstituted or substituted (2-2oC)alkynyl, unsubstituted or substituted (i-2oC)alkoxy, unsubstituted or substituted (6-2oC)aryl, unsubstituted or substituted (2-2oC)heteroaryl, unsubstituted or substituted (3-2oC)carbocyclyl, unsubstituted or substituted (2-2oC)heterocyclyl, unsubstituted or substituted (i-2oC)haloalkyl, and unsubstituted or substituted (i-2oC)hydroxyalkyl. Preferably, Re may be unsubstituted or substituted (i-i2C)alkyl, unsubstituted or substituted (2-i2C)alkenyl, unsubstituted or substituted (2-i2C)alkynyl, unsubstituted or substituted (i-i2C)alkoxy, unsubstituted or substituted (6-i2C)aryl, unsubstituted or substituted (2-i2C)heteroaryl, unsubstituted or substituted (3-i2C)carbocyclyl, unsubstituted or substituted (2-i2C)heterocyclyl, unsubstituted or substituted (1-i2C)haloalkyl, and unsubstituted or substituted (i-i2C)hydroxyalkyl. More preferably, R& may be unsubstituted or substituted (l-ioC)alkyl, unsubstituted or substituted (2-ioC)alkenyl, unsubstituted or substituted (2-ioC)alkynyl, unsubstituted or substituted (i-ioC)alkoxy, unsubstituted or substituted (6-ioC)aryl, unsubstituted or substituted (2-ioC)heteroaryl, unsubstituted or substituted (3-ioC)carbocyclyl, unsubstituted or substituted (2-ioC)heterocyclyl, unsubstituted or substituted (1-ioC)haloalkyl, and unsubstituted or substituted (l-ioC)hydroxyalkyl. Even more preferably, Re maybe unsubstituted or substituted (i-6C)alkyl, unsubstituted or substituted (2-6C)alkenyl, unsubstituted or substituted (2-6C)alkynyl, unsubstituted or substituted (i-6C)alkoxy, unsubstituted or substituted (6-ioC)aryl, unsubstituted or substituted (2-6C)heteroaryl, unsubstituted or substituted (3-6C)carbocyclyl, unsubstituted or substituted (2-6C)heterocyclyl, unsubstituted or substituted (1-6C)haloalkyl, and unsubstituted or substituted (i-6C)hydroxyalkyl. In particular embodiments R& maybe unsubstituted or substituted (i-i6C)alkyl. The melting points of the thio-functionalized copolymers may be in the range from 80 to 120 °C, preferably 90 to 110 °C as measured by DSC. C-C modification In a sixth embodiment, the moiety X is -CR7(C(=O)ORs. X being -CR7(C(=O)ORs may be obtained by reacting the precursor copolymer with salts, such as Li+ or K+ salts, of organic compounds HCR7(C(=O)ORs, such as diethylmethylmalonate. R7to Rs are each independently unsubstituted or substituted (i-2oC)alkyl, unsubstituted or substituted (2-2oC)alkenyl, unsubstituted or substituted (2-2oC)alkynyl, unsubstituted or substituted (i-2oC)alkoxy, unsubstituted or substituted (6-2oC)aryl, unsubstituted or substituted (2-2oC)heteroaryl, unsubstituted or substituted (3-2oC)carbocyclyl, unsubstituted or substituted (2-2oC)heterocyclyl, unsubstituted or substituted (i-2oC)haloalkyl, and unsubstituted or substituted (i-2oC)hydroxyalkyl. Preferably, R7 to Rg may be each independently unsubstituted or substituted (1-i2C)alkyl, unsubstituted or substituted (2-12C)alkenyl, unsubstituted or substituted (2-i2C)alkynyl, unsubstituted or substituted (1-12C)alkoxy, unsubstituted or substituted (6-i2C)aryl, unsubstituted or substituted (2-i2C)heteroaryl, unsubstituted or substituted (3-i2C)carbocyclyl, unsubstituted or substituted (2-i2C)heterocyclyl, unsubstituted or substituted (i-i2C)haloalkyl, and unsubstituted or substituted (i-i2C)hydroxyalkyl. More preferably, R7 to Rs may be each independently unsubstituted or substituted (1-ioC)alkyl, unsubstituted or substituted (2-ioC)alkenyl, unsubstituted or substituted (2-ioC)alkynyl, unsubstituted or substituted (i-ioC)alkoxy, unsubstituted or substituted (6-10 C) aryl, unsubstituted or substituted (2-ioC)heteroaryl, unsubstituted or substituted (3-ioC)carbocyclyl, unsubstituted or substituted (2-ioC)heterocyclyl, unsubstituted or substituted (l-ioC)haloalkyl, and unsubstituted or substituted (1-ioC)hydroxyalkyl. Even more preferably, R7 to Rs may be each independently unsubstituted or substituted (i-6C)alkyl, unsubstituted or substituted (2-6C)alkenyl, unsubstituted or substituted (2-6C)alkynyl, unsubstituted or substituted (1-6C) alkoxy, unsubstituted or substituted (6-ioC)aryl, unsubstituted or substituted (2-6C)heteroaryl, unsubstituted or substituted (3-6C)carbocyclyl, unsubstituted or substituted (2-6C)heterocyclyl, unsubstituted or substituted (i-6C)haloalkyl, and unsubstituted or substituted (i-6C)hydroxyalkyl. In particular embodiments R7 to Rs may be each independently unsubstituted or substituted (i-4C)alkyl, unsubstituted or substituted (2-4C)alkenyl, unsubstituted or substituted (2-4C)alkynyl, unsubstituted or substituted (i-4C)alkoxy, unsubstituted or substituted (6-ioC)aryl, unsubstituted or substituted (2-6C)heteroaryl, unsubstituted or substituted (2-6C)heterocyclyl, unsubstituted or substituted (i-4C)haloalkyl, and unsubstituted or substituted (i-4C)hydroxyalkyl. The melting points of the amine-functionalized copolymers may be in the range from 80 to 120 °C, preferably 90 to no °C as measured by DSC. In a seventh embodiment, the moiety X is -C=C-R9. X being -C=C-R9 may be obtained by reacting the precursor copolymer with salts, such as Li+ or K+ salts, of organic compounds H-C=C-R,, such as phenylacetylene. Rg is unsubstituted or substituted (i-2oC)alkyl, unsubstituted or substituted (2-2oC)alkenyl, unsubstituted or substituted (2-2oC)alkynyl, unsubstituted or substituted (i-2oC)alkoxy, unsubstituted or substituted (6-2oC)aryl, unsubstituted or substituted (2-2oC)heteroaryl, unsubstituted or substituted (3-2oC)carbocyclyl, unsubstituted or substituted (2-2oC)heterocyclyl, unsubstituted or substituted (i-2oC)haloalkyl, and unsubstituted or substituted (i-2oC)hydroxyalkyl. Preferably, R9 may be unsubstituted or substituted (i-i2C)alkyl, unsubstituted or substituted (2-i2C)alkenyl, unsubstituted or substituted (2-i2C)alkynyl, unsubstituted or substituted (i-i2C)alkoxy, unsubstituted or substituted (6-i2C)aryl, unsubstituted or substituted (2-i2C)heteroaryl, unsubstituted or substituted (3-i2C)carbocyclyl, unsubstituted or substituted (2-i2C)heterocyclyl, unsubstituted or substituted (1-i2C)haloalkyl, and unsubstituted or substituted (i-i2C)hydroxyalkyl. More preferably, R9 may be unsubstituted or substituted (l-ioC)alkyl, unsubstituted or substituted (2-ioC)alkenyl, unsubstituted or substituted (2-ioC)alkynyl, unsubstituted or substituted (i-ioC)alkoxy, unsubstituted or substituted (6-ioC)aryl, unsubstituted or substituted (2-ioC)heteroaryl, unsubstituted or substituted (3-ioC)carbocyclyl, unsubstituted or substituted (2-loC)heterocyclyl, unsubstituted or substituted (1-ioC)haloalkyl, and unsubstituted or substituted (l-ioC)hydroxyalkyl. Even more preferably, R9 maybe unsubstituted or substituted (i-6C)alkyl, unsubstituted or substituted (2-6C)alkenyl, unsubstituted or substituted (2-6C)alkynyl, unsubstituted or substituted (i-6C)alkoxy, unsubstituted or substituted (6-ioC)aryl, unsubstituted or substituted (2-6C)heteroaryl, unsubstituted or substituted (3-6C)carbocyclyl, unsubstituted or substituted (2-6C)heterocyclyl, unsubstituted or substituted (1-6C)haloalkyl, and unsubstituted or substituted (i-6C)hydroxyalkyl. In particular embodiments R9 may be unsubstituted or substituted (1-4 C) alkyl, unsubstituted or substituted (6-ioC)aryl, unsubstituted or substituted (2-6C)heteroaryl, unsubstituted or substituted (i-4C)haloalkyl, and unsubstituted or substituted (1-4C)hydroxyalkyl. The melting points of the alkyne-functionalized copolymers maybe in the range from 80 to 120 °C, preferably 90 to no °C as measured by DSC. Furthermore alkyne-functionalized copolymers may be used for azido or thiol-yne click chemistry. Polymer blends In an aspect, the invention provides a polymer blend comprising: a copolymer of the first aspect of the invention; and polyfpropylene). In particular, through extensive investigations, the inventors have found that compounding the polyfpropylene) copolymer of the first aspect of the invention with poly(propylene), when X is -Pf=0)f0R3)2 results in an increase in thermal stability, as shown by higher Tlo%, T5O% and Tmax values, when compared to virgin poly(propylene). The polymer blend may comprise 0.1-30 wt% of the copolymer of the first aspect. The amount of copolymer and polyfpropylene) in the polymer blend can be determined by chromatographic methods, such as gel permeation chromatography fGPC), wherein the copolymer and polyfpropylene) can be distinguished by size and / or polarity. Suitably, the polymer blend comprises 1-20 wt% of the copolymer. In embodiments, the polymer blend comprises 1 wt%, 5 wt%, 10 wt% or 20 wt% of the copolymer. The polymer blend may comprise 70-99.9 wt% polyfpropylene). Suitably, the polymer blend comprises 80-99 wt% polyfpropylene). In embodiments, the polymer blend comprises 80 wt%, 90 wt%, 95 wt% or 99 wt% poly(propylene). The polymer blend may comprise 0.1-30 wt% of the copolymer and 70-99.9 wt% poly(propylene). Suitably, the polymer blend comprises 1-20 wt% of the copolymer and 80-99 wt% polyfpropylene). In embodiments, the polymer blend comprises: a) 20 wt% of the copolymer and 80 wt% poly(propylene); b) 10 wt% of the copolymer and 90 wt% polyfpropylene); c) 5 wt% of the copolymer and 95 wt% polyfpropylene); or d) 1 wt% of the polymer and 99 wt% polyfpropylene). Method for the preparation of a polymer and a polymer blend In an aspect of the invention there is a provided a method for the preparation of a copolymer, the method comprising the steps of: a) providing a precursor copolymer comprising: (i) propylene repeating units A; and (ii) w-suhstituted a-olefin repeating units B, wherein X is halogen; and b) post-modifying the precursor polymer provided in step a), such that the to-substituted a-olefin repeating units B, wherein X is halogen, are converted into to-substituted a-olefin repeating units B, wherein the to-substituted a-olefin repeating units B are each independently substituted by a moiety X selected from a group consisting of halogen, -NRiR2, -P(=O)(OR3)2, -OC(=O)-R4, -OR5, -SRh, -CR7(C(=O)OR8, -C=C-R9, wherein Ri to R9 are each independently unsubstituted or substituted (i-2oC)alkyl, unsubstituted or substituted (2-2 oC) alkenyl, unsubstituted or substituted (2-2oC)alkynyl, unsubstituted or substituted (1-2oC)alkoxy, unsubstituted or substituted (6-2oC)aryl, unsubstituted or substituted (2-2oC)heteroaryl, unsubstituted or substituted (3-2oC)carbocyclyl, unsubstituted or substituted (2-2oC)heterocyclyl, unsubstituted or substituted (1-2oC)haloalkyl, and unsubstituted or substituted (i-2oC)hydroxyalkyl. In another aspect of the invention there is a provided a method for the preparation of a polymer blend, the method comprising the steps of: a) providing a precursor copolymer comprising: (i) propylene repeating units, A; and (ii) a)-substituted a-olefin repeating units B, wherein the substituent X is halogen; b) post-modifying the precursor copolymer provided in step a), such that the to-substituted a-olefin repeating units B, wherein X is halogen, are converted into to-substituted a-olefin repeating units B, wherein the to-substituted a-olefin repeating units B are each independently substituted by a moiety X selected from a group consisting of halogen, -NRiR2, -P(=O)(OR3)2, -OC(=O)-R4, -OR5, -SRe, -CR7(C(=O)OR8, -C=C-R9, wherein Ri to R9 are each independently unsubstituted or substituted (i-2oC)alkyl, unsubstituted or substituted (2-2 oC) alkenyl, unsubstituted or substituted (2-2oC)alkynyl, unsubstituted or substituted (1-2oC)alkoxy, unsubstituted or substituted (6-2oC)aryl, unsubstituted or substituted (2-2oC)heteroaryl, unsubstituted or substituted (3-2oC)carbocyclyl, unsubstituted or substituted (2-2oC)heterocyclyl, unsubstituted or substituted (1-2oC)haloalkyl, and unsubstituted or substituted (i-2oC)hydroxyalkyl; and c) mixing the copolymer resulting from step b) with poly (propylene). In the precursor copolymer provided in step a), propylene repeating units A may have any of the definitions discussed herein in relation to the first aspect. Furthermore, the 0-substituted a-olefin repeating units B, formed in step b), may have any of the definitions discussed herein in relation to the first aspect. When the substituent X of the w-substituted a-olefin repeating units B in the precursor copolymer is halogen, halogen may be a leaving group which can be replaced with a moiety X selected from a group consisting of, -NRiR2, -P(=0)(0R3)2, -OC(=O)-R4, -OR5, -SR6, -CR7(C(=O)OR8, -C=C-R9, wherein Ri to R9 are each independently unsubstituted or substituted (i-2oC)alkyl, unsubstituted or substituted (2-2oC)alkenyl, unsubstituted or substituted (2-2oC)alkynyl, unsubstituted or substituted (i-2oC)alkoxy, unsubstituted or substituted (6-2oC)aryl, unsubstituted or substituted (2-2oC)heteroaryl, unsubstituted or substituted (3-2oC)carbocyclyl, unsubstituted or substituted (2-2oC)heterocyclyl, unsubstituted or substituted (i-2oC)haloalkyl, and unsubstituted or substituted (i-2oC)hydroxyalkyl. Preferably, X in the precursor copolymer may be bromo or iodo. More preferably, X in the precursor copolymer may be bromo. Accordingly, each w-substituted a-olefin repeating unit B, wherein the substituent X is halogen, may independently be a halogenated ethylene repeating unit. Suitably, each 0-substituted ct-olefin repeating unit B, wherein the substituent X is halogen, is a brominated ethylene repeating unit. The precursor copolymer provided in step a) may comprise 80-99.5 mol% of propylene repeating units A. Suitably, the precursor copolymer provided in step a) comprises 83.0-99.0 mol% of propylene repeating units A. More suitably, the precursor copolymer comprises 84.0-98.5 mol% of propylene repeating units A. Even more suitably, the precursor copolymer comprises 88.0-98.0 mol% of propylene repeating units A. Yet even more suitably, the precursor copolymer comprises 91.5-96.5 mol% of propylene repeating units A. In embodiments, the precursor copolymer comprises 92-96.25 mol% of propylene repeating units A. The precursor copolymer provided in step a) may comprise 0.5-20 mol% w-substituted a-olefin repeating units B, wherein the substituent X is halogen. Suitably, the precursor copolymer provided in step a) comprises 1.0-17.0 mol% of o-substituted a-olefin repeating units B, wherein the substituent X is halogen. More suitably, the precursor copolymer comprises 1.5-16.0 mol% of o-substituted a-olefin repeating units B, wherein the substituent X is halogen. Even more suitably, the precursor copolymer comprises 2.0-12.0 mol% of o-substituted a-olefin repeating units B, wherein the substituent X is halogen. Yet even more suitably, the precursor copolymer comprises 3.5-8.5 mol% of (0-substituted a-olefin repeating units B, wherein the substituent X is halogen. In embodiments, the precursor copolymer comprises 3.75-8 mol% of (D-substituted a-olefin repeating units B, wherein the substituent X is halogen. In such embodiments, X may be suitably bromo or iodo, more suitably bromo. In embodiments, the precursor copolymer provided in step a) comprises: (i) 80-99.5 mol% of propylene repeating units A, and (ii) 0.5-20 mol% of w-substituted a-olefin repeating units B, wherein the substituent X is halogen In embodiments, the precursor copolymer provided in step a) comprises: (i) 83.0-99.0 mol% of propylene repeating units A, and (ii) 1.0-17.0 mol% of w-substituted ct-olefin repeating units B, wherein the substituent X is halogen. In embodiments, the precursor copolymer provided in step a) comprises: (i) 84.0-98.5 mol% of propylene repeating units A, and (ii) 1.5-16.0 mol% of w-substituted a-olefin repeating units B, wherein the substituent X is halogen. In embodiments, the precursor copolymer provided in step a) comprises: (i) 88.0-98.0 mol% of propylene repeating units A, and (ii) 2.0-12.0 mol% of w-substituted a-olefin repeating units B, wherein the substituent X is halogen. In embodiments, the precursor copolymer provided in step a) comprises: (i) 91.5-96.5 mol% of propylene repeating units A, and (ii) 3.5-8.5 mol% of w-substituted a-olefin repeating units B, wherein the substituent X is halogen. In embodiments, the precursor copolymer provided in step a) comprises: (i) 92-96.25 mol% of propylene repeating units A, and (ii) 3.75-8 mol% of oi-substituted a-olefin repeating units B, wherein the substituent X is halogen. The distribution of repeating units A and B within the precursor copolymer may be random (e.g., propylene repeating units A, and w-substituted a-olefin repeating units B, wherein the substituent X is halogen, are present in any order in the precursor copolymer). The w-substituted a-olefin repeating units B, wherein the substituent X is halogen, may be randomly distributed along the length of the copolymer. It may be that the copolymer end groups are propylene repeating units A. Suitably, the w-substituted a-olefin repeating units B, wherein the substituent X is halogen, are randomly distributed along the length of the copolymer and the copolymer end groups are propylene repeating units A. In embodiments, the precursor copolymer may consist of / consist essentially of propylene repeating units A, and w-substituted ct-olefin repeating units B, wherein the substituent X is halogen. The precursor copolymer may be linear or branched. The precursor polymer may be prepared by polymerizing propylene monomers, A’, and (o-substituted ct-olefin monomers B’, wherein the substituent X is halogen. Suitably, each propylene monomer, A’, has the structural formula: Each (o-substituted ct-olefin monomer B’, wherein the substituent X is halogen, may independently have the structural formula BT: (B’l) wherein Y is as defined herein and X is halogen. In preferred embodiments, each co-substituted ct-olefin monomer B’, wherein the substituent X is halogen, independently has the structural formula: wherein X is halogen. Preferably, each w-substituted a-olefin monomer B’ may be an w-bromo-a-alkene. In preferred embodiments, each w-substituted a-olefin monomer B’ may be ii-bromo-1-undecene. Accordingly, the precursor copolymer provided in step a) may be poly(propylene)-co-n-bromo-i-undecene. In embodiments wherein the precursor copolymer provided in step a) is prepared by polymerizing propylene monomers, A’, and (D-substituted a-olefin monomers B’, wherein the substituent X is halogen, said polymerization may be conducted in the presence of an olefin polymerization catalyst. Suitably, the olefin polymerization catalyst is a metallocene, ansa-metallocene, half-metallocene or ansa-half-metallocene, examples of which will be readily familiar to one of skill in the art. The olefin polymerization catalyst may have a structure according to formula (Di): (LOCL^M^CY2) (Dl) wherein M1 is zirconium, hafnium or titanium; L1 and L2 are each independently a ligand comprising a cyclopentadienyl moiety, said cyclopentadienyl moiety being rp bound to M1, wherein L1 and L2 are optionally linked to one another; and Y1 and Y2 are each independently a ligand selected from hydride, halo and (i-3C)alkyl. In embodiments, L1 and L2 may be each independently an optionally-substituted cyclopcntadienyl group that is qs bound to M1, an optionally-substituted indenyl group that is i]5 bound to M’, or an optionally-substituted fluorenyl group that is rp bound to M1, wherein L1 and L2 are optionally linked to one another. More suitably, L1 and L2 are each independently an optionally-substituted cyclopentadienyl group that is q5 bound to M1 or an optionally-substituted indenyl group that is q5 bound to M1, wherein L1 and L2 are optionally linked to one another. In embodiments, L1 and L2 are each independently an optionally-substituted indenyl group that is qs bound to M1, wherein L1 and L2 are optionally linked to one another. In embodiments, L1 and L2 may optionally linked to one another by an alkylene or a silylene linking group. In embodiments, L1 and L2 may be optionally linked to one another by an ethylene group. In embodiments, M1 may be zirconium. In embodiments, Y1 and Y2 maybe each independently selected from hydride, chloro and methyl. In embodiments, Y1 and Y2 may be each chloro. It will be understood that the optional substituents present in L’ and L2 may be selected from (i-6C)alkyl, (2-6C) alkenyl, (2-6C)alkynyl, (i-6C)alkoxy, aryl (e.g., phenyl), aryl(i-2C)alkyl (e.g., benzyl), aryloxy (e.g., phenoxy) and heteroaryl. Particularly suitable optional substituents are selected from (i-4C)alkyl, (i-4C)alkoxy and phenyl. In particular embodiments, the olefin polymerization catalyst may be a bzs-indenyl zirconocene compound. In a preferred embodiment, the olefin polymerization catalyst may be selected from the group consisting of: In a particularly preferred embodiment, the olefin polymerization catalyst may be a C2-symmetric ansa-zirconocene catalyst. Such catalyst may be suitable to prepare highly isotactic polypropylene 'PP, preferably having mmmm pentads of 98% or more. Preferably, the olefin polymerization catalyst may be In a further particularly preferred embodiment, the olefin polymerization catalyst may be a Cs-symmetric ansa-zirconocene catalyst. Such catalyst may be suitable to prepare syndiotactic polypropylene SPP, preferably having rrrr = 71% or more. Preferably, the olefin polymerization catalyst may be In another particularly preferred embodiment, the olefin polymerization catalyst may be Ci-symmetric ansa-bridged titanium post metallocene catalyst. Such catalyst may be suitable to prepare atactic polypropylene aPP. Preferably, the olefin polymerization catalyst may be The olefin polymerization catalyst may be used together with one or more suitable activators. Suitable activators are well known in the art and include organo aluminium compounds (e.g., alkyl aluminium compounds). Particularly suitable activators include aluminoxanes (e.g., methylaluminoxane (MAO)), triisobutylaluminium (TIBA), diethylaluminium (DEAC) and triethylaluminium (TEA). In embodiments, the olefin polymerization catalyst is used together with MAO, TIBA, DEAC and / or TEA. In step b), the precursor copolymer may be functionalized by contacting the precursor copolymer with a nucleophilic reagent. The nucleophilic reagent may be selected from compounds providing the structures of the moieties X as defined herein. Suitable compounds that can be used as nucleophilic reagents are well known in the art. In step b), the precursor copolymer provided in step a) may be functionalized such that 50% of the w-substituted a-olefin repeating units B, wherein X is halogen, are converted. Suitably, the precursor copolymer provided in step a) is functionalized such that 60% of the w w-substituted a-olefin repeating units B, wherein X is halogen, are converted. More suitably, the precursor copolymer provided in step a) is functionalized such that 70% of the w-substituted a-olefin repeating units B, wherein X is halogen, are converted. Yet more suitably, the precursor copolymer provided in step a) is functionalized such that 80% of the w-substituted a-olefin repeating units B, wherein X is halogen, are converted. Even more suitably, the precursor copolymer provided in step a) is functionalized such that 90% of the w-substituted a-olefin repeating units B, wherein X is halogen, are converted. In preferred embodiments, the precursor copolymer provided in step a) is functionalized such that greater than 95% of the w-substituted a-olefin repeating units B, wherein X is halogen, are converted into. In embodiments, the precursor copolymer provided in step a) is functionalized such that all (or substantially all) of the w-substituted a-olefin repeating units B, wherein X is halogen are converted. As discussed herein, an aspect of the invention provides a method for the preparation of a polymer blend, the method comprising the steps of: a) providing a precursor copolymer comprising: (i) propylene repeating units A; and (ii) co-substituted a-olefin repeating units B, wherein X is halogen; and b) post-modifying the precursor copolymer provided in step a), such that the in-substituted a-olefin repeating units B, wherein X is halogen, are converted into in-substituted a-olefin repeating units B, wherein the in-substituted ct-olefin repeating units B are each independently substituted by a moiety X selected from a group consisting of halogen, -NR^, -P(=O)(OR3)2, -OC(=O)-R4, -OR5, -SRe, -CR7(C(=O)ORs, -C=C-R9, wherein Ri to R9 are each independently unsubstituted or substituted (i-2oC)alkyl, unsubstituted or substituted (2-2 oC) alkenyl, unsubstituted or substituted (2-2oC)alkynyl, unsubstituted or substituted (1-2oC)alkoxy, unsubstituted or substituted (6-2oC)aryl, unsubstituted or substituted (2-2oC)heteroaryl, unsubstituted or substituted (3-2oC)carbocyclyl, unsubstituted or substituted (2-2oC)heterocyclyl, unsubstituted or substituted (1-2oC)haloalkyl, and unsubstituted or substituted (i-2oC)hydroxyalkyl; and c) mixing the copolymer resulting from step b) with poly(propylene). Suitably, steps a) and b) are as defined herein. Polymer blends are known in the art and refer to a mixture in which two or more polymers are combined to create a new material. In an aspect, the present invention provides a copolymer obtained, directly obtained or obtainable by a method of the third aspect of the invention. In an aspect, the present invention provides a polymer blend obtained, directly obtained or obtainable by a method of the fifth aspect of the invention. All combinations of preferred ranges and / or embodiments are particularly preferred. Further features and advantages of the invention will emerge from the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments. EXAMPLES One or more examples of the invention will now be described, for the purpose of illustration only, with reference to the accompanying figures: Fig- 1. is a ‘H NMR spectrum (600 MHz, C2D2C14, 393 K) of poly(propylene) (PP). Fig. 2 is a ‘H NMR spectrum (600 MHz, C2D2C14, 393 K) of poly(propylene)-co-n-bromo-1-undecene (PP-Br). Fig. 3 is a lH NMR spectrum (600 MHz, C2D2C14, 393 K) of poly(propylene)-co-n-bromo-1-undecene (PP-Br) exemplifying PP-Br mol% incorporation calculation. Fig 4. shows (left) SEC traces and (right) DSC curves of PP and PP-Br synthesized by M1-4. Fig. 5 shows DSC thermograms for PPaa / S / MBT vulcanization at a heating rate of 20 °C min-1 under and inert atmosphere. Materials and methods Materials 1 l-Bromo-i-undecene (Sigma Aldrich) was dried over pre-activated 3 A molecular sieves, filtered and freeze-pump-thaw degassed before use. Propylene (N2.5) was supplied by BOC Ltd. and was used as received. MAO was supplied by Chemtura Corporation as a slurry in toluene which was dried under vacuum before use. .Rac-ethylenebis(indenyl)zirconium dichloride was used as supplied by SGC Chemicals PLC. Triphenyl phosphite, triisopropyl phosphite, xylene, 1,1,2,2 tetrachloroethane d2, triisobutylaluminium, were used as received from Sigma Aldrich. Aluminium (A23.5, smooth mill finish, Q-Panel) and steel (QD23.5, smooth mill finish, Q-Panel) were employed as surfaces for adhesive experiments from Q-LAB. Methods Air- and moisture-sensitive compounds were manipulated under an inert atmosphere of nitrogen, using standard Schlenk line techniques on a dual manifold vacuum / nitrogen line or in an MBraun Labmaster 100 glovebox. Hexanes and toluene were dried using an MBraun SPS 800 solvent purification system, stored over a potassium mirror, and degassed under partial vacuum before use. Solution NMR spectroscopy NMR spectra were recorded on a Bruker NEO 600 (14.1 T, 600.4 MHz) with a broadband helium cryoprobe. Spectra were recorded at 393 K and referenced internally to the residual protio solvent resonance. Chemical shifts, 8, are reported in parts per million (ppm) relative to tetramethylsilane (8 = 0 ppm). Quantitative 13C NMR spectroscopy was performed using an inverse-gated 'H decoupling pulse sequence, a relaxation delay of 60 s, and 2.8 mg mL-1 Cr(acac)3 as a T, relaxation agent. Limited solubility of 'PP, SPP, and functionalised derivates incorporation observed poor signal-noise ratio in 13C{’H} NMR spectra due to high Ma and low mol% incorporation, hence some known peaks, observed in HSQC or HMBC, were not observed '>C{'H} NMR spectra. Gel permeation chromatography Gel permeation chromatography (GPC) was performed on a high temperature gel permeation chromatograph with an IR5 infrared detector (GPC-IR5). Samples were prepared by dissolution in 1,2,4-trichlorobenzene (TCB) containing 300 ppm of 3,5-di-tert-buty-4-hydroxytoluene (BHT) at 160 °C for 90 minutes and then filtered with a 10 pm SS filter before being passed through the GPC column. The samples were run under a flow rate of 0.5 mL min-1 using TCB containing 300 ppm of BHT as mobile phase with 1 mg mL-1 BHT added as a flow rate marker. The GPC column and detector temperature were set at 145 and 160 °C respectively. Differential scanning calorimetry Differential scanning calorimetry was performed on a Perkin Elmer DSC 4000 System, unless otherwise stated, within a temperature range of 30-200 °C at a rate of 20 K min1. Polymer samples were sealed in 50 pL aluminium crucibles. An empty crucible was used as a reference, and the DSC was calibrated using indium and zinc. Vulcanization: polymer, sulfur, and MBT were combined in agitated hot toluene prior to vacuum drying. Vulcanizations were performed in 50 pL DSC pans, and the reactions were followed by dynamic DSC protocols. Samples were heated at a constant rate (2.5-20 °C min-1) to 300 °C, then cooled to ambient temperature at the same rate. A second cycle was performed to obtain the baseline for the experiment. Thermogravimetric analysis Thermogravimetric analysis was performed on a Perkin Elmer TGA 8000 thermogravimetric analyzer within a temperature range of 50-800 °C. Polymer samples were loaded into pre-weighed ceramic pans and heated at a rate of 20 K min-1 unless otherwise stated. A purge gas of either dry nitrogen or synthetic air (20% 02 in N2) was used. Fourier-Transform Infrared spectroscopy Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy spectra were collected on a Bruker VERTEX 80 FT-IR spectrometer fitted with a DuraSamplIR Diamond ATR. Before the sample scans, 128 scans were taken as a background over the range 4000-400 cm-1. Transmittance was recorded at a resolution of 4 cm1 over the range 4000-400 cnr* for 128 scans. Quantitative bromine analysis Quantitative bromine analysis was performed in accordance with bromine method covered by ISO 17025 UKAS. An accurately weighed sample containing greater than 2 mg bromine is combusted in an oxygen flask over sodium meta-bisulphite solution. This process yields the sample into a gaseous form which is then immersed into the absorbent. The solution is acidified and boiled to dispel any chlorine fumes and titrated with silver nitrate. The end point of the titration is measured at the inflection point of the titration curve with an analytical uncertainty of 0.3% absolute. Lap shear strength Samples were prepared via vacuum compression-molding the polymer. Propylene-based copolymers were loaded between the substrates: Steel QD35 and Aluminum A35 with overlap of 12.5 mm (312.5 mm2bonding area). Then, the compression-heating cycle was applied: (i) heating to 130 °C (ii) stabilizing for 5 min with no force applied, (iii) applying for 5 min with 100 kN (2 MPa) normal force and cooling down to 40 °C under 100 kN (0.6 MPa) normal force. Before measurements, samples were conditioned for 7 days at room temperature. The measurements were performed using an Instron 5582 tensile tester equipped with a 5 kN load cell. The tests were performed on specimens (51 cm x 12.7 cm) with surface overlapping 10 mm at room temperature. A grip-to-grip separation of 140 mm was used. The samples were pre-stressed to 3 N, then loaded with a constant cross-head speed 100 mm / min. To calculate the lap shear strength the reported force value divided by the bonding surface (127 mm2) of the specimens. The reported values are an average of at least 4 measurements of each composition. Dynamic Rheology Rheology was performed on a TA Instruments Discovery HR-2 hybrid rheometer using a temperature controlled stainless steel Peltier plate and a flat parallel plate geometry (20 mm diameter) with a working gap of 1000 pm. Approximately 180 mg PPaa / S / MBT were pressed using a pellet press under 10 tons of pressure which was then placed on the rheometer plate at 25 °C. Under continuous oscillation (w = 1 rad s-1; 0.2% strain), the temperature was raised to 200 °C at a heating rate of 20 °C min-1 and held for 6 hours. Experimental General procedure for the solution-phase polymerization of propylene with a series of bromoalkenes A catalyst stock solution of M1-4 (24 pmol) in toluene (10 mL) was prepared. Prescribed quantities of catalyst stock solutions were added into an ampoule containing a hexane solution of cocatalyst MAO and magnetic stirrer bar. In the ampoule side arm, n-bromoalkene, TIBA and hexane were added. The polymerization ampoule was then stirred in a preheated oil bath and evacuated before simultaneous additions of the n-bromoalkene and TIBA solution, and exposure to propylene (2 bar) for the duration of the polymerization. After the above procedure, the reaction mixture was degassed and the mixture was precipitated in acidified methanol (2 wt% HC1) before being collected by filtration, washed with methanol (20 mL), then acetone (2 x 20 mL), and dried in vacuo at 40 °C to a constant mass. Comonomer incorporation (mol%) and conversion calculated according to Figure 3. PPbi- (3-99 mol%). XH NMR (600 MHz, CaDaCLj, 393 K): 8 4.84 (0.14H, s, H13), 4.77 (0.14H, s, H^), 3.49 (2H, t, = 6.8 Hz, H'), 1.97 (2H, p, 3Jhh = 6.9 Hz, H2), 1.75-1.58 ppm (25H, br m, H13), 1.58-1.50 (4H, m, H3 and H"), 1.50-1.06 (46H, m, Ha, H4, and H12 1.05-0.84 ppm (95H, br d, H14 and H12 I3C{'H} NMR (151MHz, C2D2CI4, 393 K): 8 120.54, 99-91, 45-82 (1C, s, C10), 45-43 (C13), 42.94 (2C, s, C“), 35-14 (1C, s, C?), 32.87(10, s, Ca), 32.81 (1C, s, C1), 32-37 (1C, s, C2), 29.45 (1C, s, Ca), 28.87 (1C, s, Ca), 28.77 (1C, s, Ca), 28.13 (1C, s, C4), 27.90 (C12), 27.64 (1C, s, C3), 26.11 (1C, s), 21.80-19.65 (26.5C, C14, mmmm = 83%6). “Resonances corresponding to C5 K. hAssigned according to literature.3 FTIR: v (cm’*) = 2950, 2867, and 1456 (v (C-H, CH3)), 2917, 2838, and 1377 (v (C-H, CH2)), 2917, 2838, and 1377 (v (CHJ), 721 (v(CBr)). Table 1: (Co)polymerisation data of propylene (and 11-Br) using M1-4. Entry Catalyst (MX) 11-Br (mM) Activity6 Productivity Yield (g) Incorporation / (mol%) Mv^ (g mol 9 (°C) Crystallinity / (%) Major pentadd 1 Ml 493 15-7 3-92 30 100 2-3 131 54 mmmm (86.8%) 2 Ml 45-5 3575 11.4 2.84 2.01 28 500 2.2 116 30 3 Ma 10 328 32.8 8.21 98 000 4-7 141 78 mmmm (98.4%) 4 M2 45-5 7254 23-1 5-77 1.64 152 200 3-6 142 54 5 M3 4491 143 3-19 318 800 3-2 126 23 rrrr (71.7%) 6 M3 45-5 2192 7.6 1.69 3-95 271600 2.3 104 16 7 M4 4419 15-3 3-51 433 700 3-0 8 M4 45-5 1879 6-5 1-49 1548 508 600 24 Conditions: M1-4 (0.024 mM, 1 mg ml / 1 toluene), MAO used as a cocatalyst and scavenger with [A1]O:[MX]O = 1000:1. Molar ratio of [TTBA]0:[ii-Br]0 = 1:10, 0.500.75 mL toluene, 49.2549.50 mL hexanes, propylene 2 bar, Tp = 50 °C, 20 min-1. Polymerization and analysis were performed in duplicate and mean values are reported. bkgpp mol[MX]-1 h-1 bar-1. ckgpP g[MX] -1 h. dDetermined by 1H NMR. eDetermined by SEC. ’Determined by DSC. Synthesis and characterization of functional polypropylenes Post-modification of poly(propylene)-co-(n-bromo-i-undecene) with triisopropyl phosphite. Triisopropyl phosphite (P(O'Pr)3, 50 equiv.) was added to poly(propylene)-co-(ii-bromo-i-undecene) (0.5 g). The reaction mixture was heated and stirred at 180 °C for 6 h in an ampoule. Aliquots were taken periodically and dried in vacuo at 40 °C. The final polymer was precipitated in acidified methanol (2 wt% HC1) before being collected by filtration, washed with methanol (20 mL), then acetone (2 x 20 mL), and dried in vacuo at 40 °C to a constant mass. PPppr (3.99 mol%). *H NMR (600 MHz, C2D2C14, 393 K): 6 4.80-4.68 ppm (2H, m, H*5), 1.77-1.51 (27H, br m, H‘3), 1.55-1-45 (4H, m, H“) 1.44-1.06 (54H, m, H“, H12 and H16), 1.05-0.84 ppm (80H, br m, H14 and H12 '3C{'H} NMR (151 MHz, C2D2C14,393 K): 120.53, 99-89, 69.61 (2C, d, 2JCp = 6.9 Hz, Ct), 46.21 (C>3), 35-88 (1C, s, Ca), 30-59 (1C, d, 3JCP = 15.2 Hz, C3), 30.20 (1C, s, C“),29.66 (1C, s, O). 29.50 (1C, s, C“), 29.18 (1C, s, Ca), 28.58 (C12), 27.38 (1C, d, Vcp = 141.5 Hz, C1), 24.09 (2C, dd, 3Jcp = 7.8, 3.62 Hz, C16), 22.70 (1C, d, 2Jcp = 5-5 Hz, C2), 21.64 (C14). “Resonances corresponding to unassigned CH2. 3<P{’H} NMR (243 MHz, C2D2C14, 393 K): 28.80 ppm (s, 0=P(0'Pr)2). FTIR: v (cm1) = 2950, 2867, and 1456 (y (C-H, CH3)), 2917, 2838, and 1377 (v(C-H, CHJ), 1245 (v(P=O)), 1006 and 981 (v(P-O-C)). Post-modification of poly(propylene)-co-(n-bromo-i-undecene) with triphenyl phosphite. Triphenyl phosphite (P(OPh)3, 50 equiv.) were added to poly(propylene)-co-(n-bromo-i-undecene) (0.5 g) heated and stirred at 180 °C for 48 h in an ampoule. Aliquots were taken periodically and dried in vacuo at 40 °C. The final polymer was precipitated in acidified methanol (2 wt% HC1) before being collected by filtration, washed with methanol (20 mL), then acetone (2 x 20 mL), and dried in vacuo at 40 °C to a constant mass. PPpph (3.99 mol%). *H NMR (600 MHz, C2D2C14, 393 K): 8 7.39 (4H, t, 3jHH 7-7 Hz, H^), 7.27 (4H, d, 3jHH = 7.8 Hz, H16), 7.23 (2H, t, 3jHH = 7.4 Hz, H18), 2.19-2.09 (2H, br m, H1), 1.92-1.82 (2H, br m, H2), 1.75-1.60 (20H, br m, H*3), 1.59-1.06 (44H, m, Ha and H12 f™®), 1.04-0.84 ppm (78H, br m, H», H14 and H12 ^C^H} NMR (151 MHz, C2D2C14, 393 K): 150.99 (2C, d, 2Jcp = 8.7, Ct), 129.70 (4C, s, Ct), 124.94 (2C, s, C18), 120.62 (4C, d, 3Jcp = 4-4 Hz, C16), 99.89,46.21 (C13), 43.64 (2C, s Cb), 35.90 (1C, s, Ca), 33.60 (1C, s, Ca), 30.44 (1C, d, Vcp = 15.8 Hz, C3), 30.19 (1C, s, C“), 29.63 (1C, s, C"), 29.44 (1C, s, C“), 29.09 (1C, s, C"), 28.58 (C12), 26.84 (1C, s, C“), 26.57 (1C, d, 'Jcp = 139-8 Hz, co, 22.45 (1C, d, 2Jcp = 5.5 Hz, C2), 21.64 (C14). "Peaks corresponding to unassigned CH2. 3,P{‘H} NMR (243 MHz, C2D2C14,393 K): 24.52 ppm (s, 0=P(0Ph)2). FTIR: v(cm O = 2950, 2867, and 1456 (v (C-H, CH3)), 2917, 2838, and 1377 (v (C-H, CH2)), 1274 (v (P=0)), 1191, 927, 900 (v(P-O-Ph)), 762 (v(C=CaO), and 68i(v(C-HaO). Synthesis of N-ethylethanamine (DEA) modified PPbt, PPdea. DEA (50 equiv.) were added to PPbf (0.5 g) heated and stirred at 150 °C for 24 h in an ampoule. The final polymer was precipitated in acidified methanol (2wt% HC1) before being collected by filtration on a glass sintered frit (porosity 3), washed with methanol, then acetone, and dried in vacuo at 60 °C to a constant weight. PPdea (3-99 mol%). *H NMR (600 MHz, C2D2C14, 393 K): 3.12 (4H, br s, H'3)", 2.99 (2H, br s, HO", 1.89 (2H, br s, Ha)“, 1.75-1.58 (19H, br m, H13), 1.57-1.06 (49H, br m, Hb, H'2 and H’")", 1.05-0.84 ppm (70H, br m, Hb, H12^, andH14). 13C{1H} NMR (151 MHz, C2D2C14,393K): 123.92,120.52, 52.03 (1C, s, C')". 47.39 (2C, s, C^)0, 46.19 (C13), 43.63 (1C, s, Cb), 35.91 (1C, s, Cb), 33.63 (1C, s, Cb), 30.16 (1C, s, Cb), 29.55 (1C, s, Cb), 29.48 (1C, s, Cb), 29.11 (1C, s, Cb), 28.56 (C12), 27.23 (1C, s, Cb), 26.84 (1C, s, Cb), 23.66 (1C, s, C2?, 21.63 (C14), 9-H (2C, s, C16)“. “Nitrogen adjacent *H and '3C NMR peaks appear broad. This obsen ation is potentially explained by an increase in the relaxation rate caused by quadrupolar Nitrogen. A lack of HMBC cross-peaks whilst still evidencing HSQC cross-peaks support this. Experimentally, HSQC equivalent delays were optimised for 145 Hz (3 ms delay) whereas HMBC experiments were optimised for a 125 ms delay, giving the nuclei sufficient time to relax and preventing the appearance of any cross-peak to carbons adjacent to nitrogen. hPeaks corresponding to unassigned CH2. FTIR: v(cnr') = 2950, 2867, and 1456 (v(C-H, CH3)), 2917, 2838, and 1377 (v (C-H, CH2)), 1203 (v (CN)). Synthesis of 2,2’-iminodiethanol (EAE) modified PPbf, PPeae. EAE (50 equiv.) were added to PPbf (0.5 g) heated and stirred at 180 °C for 48 h in an ampoule. The final polymer was precipitated in acidified methanol (2wt% HC1) before being collected by filtration on a glass sintered frit (porosity 3), washed with methanol, then acetone, and dried in vacuo at 60 °C to a constant weight. PPeae (3-99 mol%). *H NMR (600 MHz, C2D2CI4, 393 K): 4.05 (2H, br s, H16)a, 3.27 (2H, br s, H13)0, 3.18 (2H, br s, H18)a, 3.13 (2H, br s, H1)0,1.92 (2H, br s, H2)a, 1.75-1.62 (33H, br m, H13), 1.55-1.06 (72H, br m, Hb, H3-4, H12 tanti\ and H19), 1.05-0.84 ppm (135H, br m, EH and H12 W)- 13C{XH}NMR(151 MHz, C2D2CI4, 393 K): 144-85,123-93,11122, 99.88, 57.49 (1C, br s, O8)", 56.75 (1C, S, n 54-13 (1C, s, co, 49-40 (1C, s, co, 46.51 (1C, s, C-), 46.21 (C‘3), 43.65 (IC, s, C»), 39-53 (1C, s, Ca), 35-93 (1C, s, Ca), 33.66 (1C, s, Ca), 30.16 (1C, s, Ca), 29.09 (1C, s, Ca), 28.57 (C12), 27.05, 26.85, 23.47 (1C, s, C2)a, 21.64 (C14), 20.85,19-67, 8.81 (1C, s, C19). FT-IR: v (cm“0 = 2950, 2867, and 1456 (v(CH, CH3)), 2917, 2838, and 1377 (v (CH, CH2)), 1110-1014 (v (CN)). aNitrogen adjacent *H and 13C NMR peaks appear broad. This observation is potentially explained by an increase in the relaxation rate caused by quadrupolar Nitrogen. A lack of HMBC cross-peaks whilst still evidencing HSQC crosspeaks support this. Experimentally, HSQC equivalent delays were optimised for 145 Hz (3 ms delay) whereas HMBC experiments were optimised for a 125 ms delay, giving the nuclei sufficient time to relax and preventing the appearance of any cross-peak to carbons adjacent to nitrogen. ''Peaks corresponding to unassigned CH2. Synthesis of 2,2’-iminodiethanol (DEOA) modified PPbf, PPdeoa. DEOA (50 equiv.) were added to PPbt (0.5 g) heated and stirred at 180 °C for 48 h in an ampoule. The final polymer was precipitated in acidified methanol (2wt% HC1) before being collected by filtration on a glass sintered frit (porosity 3), washed with methanol, then acetone, and dried in vacuo at 60 °C to a constant weight. PPdeoa (3-99 mol%). 1H NMR (600 MHz, C2D2C14,393 K): 4.13 (4H, br s, H16)“, 3.37 (4H, br s, H^)0, 3.25 (2H, br s, H1)0, 1.93 (2H, br s, H2)a, 1.75-1.62 (40H, br m, H13), 1.55-1.06 (78H, br m, Hb, H3-4 and H12 (anti}^ 1.05-0.84 ppm (162H, br m, H’4 and H12 ^C^H} NMR (151 MHz, C2D2C14, 393 K): 123.93,120.53,116.47, m.23, 99-88, 58.72 (2C, br s, O)", 56.90 (2C, br s, C16)“, 55.54 (1C, br s, C1?, 46.21 (C13), 45-83, 45-38 (1C, s, C4), 43-66, 39-52, 35-96, 33.68, 28.58 (C12), 26.99, 23.67 (1C, br s, C2)a, 22.45, 21.64 (C14), 19.66,14.32. “Nitrogen adjacent XH and NMR peaks appear broad. This observation is potentially explained by an increase in the relaxation rate caused by quadrupolar Nitrogen. A lack of HMBC cross-peaks whilst still evidencing HSQC cross-peaks support this. Experimentally, HSQC equivalent delays were optimised for 145 Hz (3 ms delay) whereas HMBC experiments were optimised for a 125 ms delay, giving the nuclei sufficient time to relax and preventing the appearance of any cross-peak to carbons adjacent to nitrogen. bPeaks corresponding to unassigned CH2. FTIR: v (cm-1) = 3506-3182 (v (OH)), 2950, 2867, and 1456 (v (C-H, CH3)), 2917, 2838, and 1377 (v(C-H, CH2)), 1080-1045 (v (CN)). Synthesis of ethanoic acid modified PPbt, PPac. 2,3,4,6,7,8,9,10-octahydropyrimido[i,2-a]azepine (DBU, 2 equiv.) were added to a THF (1 ml) solution of ethanoic acid (2 equiv.) and PPbp (0.25 g) in an ampoule before being heated and stirred at 77 °C for 24 h. The final polymer was precipitated in acidified methanol (2wt% HC1) before being collected by filtration on a glass sintered frit (porosity 3), washed with methanol, then acetone, and dried in vacuo at 60 °C to a constant weight. PPac (3.99 mol%). >H NMR (600 MHz, C2D2C14, 393 K): 4.15 (2H, t, 3JHh = 6.7 Hz, H«), 2.09 (3H, s, H16), 1.74-1.58 (25H, br m, H13), 1.58-1.06 (45H, br m, H“, H2 and H12 c™®), 1.05-0.84 ppm (67H, br m, H14 and H12 (^). 13C{1H} NMR (151 MHz, C2D2C14, 393 K): 170.60 (1C, s, O), 120.53, 99-89, 64.59 (1C, s, C), 46.21 (C>3), 43.63 (1C, s, O), 35-85 (1C, s, GQ, 33-57 (1C, s, CQ, 30.17 (1C, s, C»), 29.68 (1C, s, C'O, 29.59 (1C, s, GO, 29.54 (1C, s, Ca), 29.28 (1C, s, C3), 28.88 (1C, s, C2), 28.58 (C12), 26.81 (1C, s, Ca), 26.04 (1C, s, C4), 21.64 (C14), 20.76 (1C, s, C16). “Peaks corresponding to unassigned CH2. FTIR: v (cm-1) = 2950, 2867, and 1456 (v (C-H, CH3)), 2917, 2838, and 1377 (v (C-H, CH2)), 1745 (v (C=0)), 1433 (v(C-O)). Synthesis of benzoic acid modified PPbt, PPbii. DBU (2 equiv.) were added to a THF (1 ml) solution of benzoic acid (2 equiv.) and PPbt (0.25 g) in an ampoule before being heated and stirred at 77 °C for 24 h. The final polymer was precipitated in acidified methanol (2wt% HC1) before being collected by filtration on a glass sintered frit (porosity 3), washed with methanol, then acetone, and dried in vacuo at 60 °C to a constant weight. PPBn(3-99 mol%). 'H NMR (500 MHz, C2D2C14, 393 K): 8.11 (2H, d, 3Jhh = 7-4 Hz, H'7), 7.61 (1H, t, Vhh = 6.7 Hz, Hw), 7.50 (2H, t, Vhh = 7-5 Hz, H18), 4.41 (2H, t, 3JHH = 6.6 Hz, HO, 1.87 (2H, m, H2), 1.75-1.58 (23H, br m, H13), 1.58-1.06 (52H, br m, Ha, H2, and H12 (anf!0, 1.04-0.93 ppm (88H, br m, H*4 and H12 W). 13C{1H} NMR (151 MHz, C2D2C14, 393 K): 166.54 (1C, s, C13), 132.61 (1C, s, C16), 131.21 (1C, s, C1?), 129.60 (2C, s, C18), 128.33 (2C, s, C1?), 120.54, 99.89, 65.21 (1C, s, C1), 46.21 (C13), 43.63 (1C, s, C“), 39-54 (1C, s, C“), 35.87 (1C, s, Cn), 33-59 (1C, s, C“), 30.18 (1C, s, C'O, 29.62 (1C, s, C'O, 29.58 (1C, s, GO, 29.33 (1C, s, C3), 28.98 (1C, s, C2), 28.58 (C12), 26.82 (1C, s, CO, 26.16 (1C, s, C4), 21.64 (C4). “Peaks corresponding to unassigned CH2. FTIR: r(cm ') = 2950, 2867, and 1456 (v (C-H, CH3)), 2917, 2838, and 1377 (v (C-H, CH2)), 1724 (v (C=0)), 1272 (v (CAi-0)), 1113 (v(CvO)), and 709 (v(¢=0^0). 11 11 12 19 Synthesis of acrylic acid modified PPbt, PPaa. DBU (2 equiv.) were added to a THF (5 ml) solution of propenoic acid (2 equiv.) and PPbt (0.25 g) in an ampoule, sparged with N2 for 15 minutes before being heated and stirred at 77 °C for 96 h. The final polymer was precipitated in acidified methanol (2wt% HC1) before being collected by filtration on a glass sintered frit (porosity 3), washed with methanol, then acetone, and dried in vacuo at 60 °C to a constant weight. PPaa (3-99 mol%). 1H NMR (600 MHz, C2D2C14, 393 K): 6.43 (1H, d, 3Jhh = 17.3 Hz, H1?^), 6.20 (1H, dd, Vhh = 17.3 and 10.3 Hz, H16), 5.84 (1H, d, 3jHH = 10.3 Hz, H1^*™1^), 4.25 (2H, t, 3jHH = 6.6 Hz, H1), 1.76 (2H, m, H2), 1.75-1.58 (30H, br m, H*3), 1.48-1.32 (68H, br m, H" and H12 ^)), 1.04-0.93 ppm (110H, br m, H14 and H'2 «3C{’H} NMR (151 MHz, C2D2C14, 393 K): 166.04 (1C, s, O), 129.51 (1C, s, C^), 129.13 (1C, s, C16), 64.72 (1C, s, C1), 46.21 (C*3), 43.62 (2C, s, Ca), 35.85 (1C, s, Ca), 33.57 (1C, s, Ca), 30.16 (1C, s, Ca), 29.67-29.53 (3C, m, Ca), 29.28 (1C, s, C3), 28.86 (1C, s, C2), 28.58 (C12), 26.81 (1C, s, C"), 26.05 (1C, s, C4), 21.64 (C14). “Peaks corresponding to unassigned CH2. FTIR: v (cm-1) = 2950, 2867, and 1456 (v (C-H, CH3)), 2917, 2838, and 1377 (v(C-H, CHJ), 1729 (v(C=O)), i637(v(C=C)), 1407,1296, and 1267 (v (CH=)), 1189 (v (C-0)). Synthesis of 1-dodecanethiol modified PPm , PPs. DBU (50 equiv.) were added to a THF (5 ml) solution of 1-dodecanethiol (50 equiv.) and PPbt (0.5 g) in an ampoule before being heated and stirred at 77 °C for 24 h. The final polymer was precipitated in acidified methanol (2wt% HC1) before being collected by filtration on a glass sintered frit (porosity 3), washed with methanol, then acetone, and dried in vacuo at 60 °C to a constant weight. PPS (3.99 mol%). 'H NMR (600 MHz, C2D2C14, 393 K): 2.59 (4H, t, Vhh = 7-2 Hz, H1 and H13), 1.75-1.58 (27H, br m, H2, H13, and H16), 1.55-1.46 (8H, br m, H3 and H"), 1.46-1.06 (66H, br m, H" and H12 (®O), 1.05-0.84 ppm (87H, br m, H'8, H14 and H12 ^). ,3C{’H} NMR (151 MHz, C2D2C14, 393 K): 120.54, 99-90, 46.21 (C3), 43.63 (2C, s, C“), 35.87 (1C, s, C“), 33.58 (1C, s, Ca), 32.68 (2C, s, C1 and C13), 31-91 (1C, s, C“), 30.30-29.98 (4C, m, Ca), 29.78-29.42 (8C, m, Ca, C2 and C16), 29.4-29.12 (4C, m, Ca), 29.02 (2C, s, C3 and Ca), 28.58 (C12), 26.83 (1C, s, Ca), 22.60 (2C, s, Ca), 21.64 (C14), 13.92 (1C, s, C18). “Peaks corresponding to unassigned CH2. FTIR: v (cm-1) = 2950, 2867, and 1456 (v(C-H, CH3)), 2917, 2838, and 1377 (v (C-H, CH2)). Synthesis of potassium phenoxide (KOPh) modified PPbt, PPoph. KOPh (2 equiv.) were added under an inert atmosphere to a THF (4 ml) solution of PPbp (0.2 g) in an ampoule before being heated and stirred at 77 °C for 24 h. The final polymer was precipitated in acidified methanol (2wt% HC1) before being collected by filtration on a glass sintered frit (porosity 3), washed with methanol, then acetone, and dried in vacuo at 60 °C to a constant weight. PPoph (3-99 mol%). >H NMR (600 MHz, C2D2C14, 393 K): 7-33 (2H, t, 3Jhh = 7.4 Hz, H^), 6.99 (3H, m, H16 and H18), 4.06 (2H, t, 3JHh = 6.3 Hz, H1), 1.86 (2H, m, H2), 1.75-1.58 (br m, H13), 1.58-1.06 (50H, br m, Haand H12 ^^), 1.05-0.84 ppm (88H, br m, H14 and H12 ^)). *3C{*H} NMR (151 MHz, C2D2C14, 393 K): 159.62 (1C, s, C‘5), 129.40 (2C, s, C'7), 120.70 (2C, s, C16), 115.31 (2C, s, C18), 159.62, 129.40,120.74,115-31, 99-89, 68.59 (1C, s, C1), 46.21 (C13), 43-63 (1C, s, Cn), 35-85 (1C, s, 09, 33-57 (1C, s, C»), 30.19 (1C, s, 09, 29.62 (2C, s, C"), 29.54 (1C, s, 09, 29.44 (1C, s, C“), 29.62 (C2), 28.58 (C12), 26.82 (1C, s, C“), 26.18 (1C, s, C3), 21.64 (C14). “Peaks corresponding to unassigned CH2. FTIR: v (cm-1) = 2950, 2867, and 1456 (v (C-H, CH3)), 2917, 2838, and 1377 (v (C-H, CH2)), 1601 and 1497 (v (C=C)), 1244 (v (Cai-O)), 1080 (v (C^r-O)), and 752 (v (C=C4r)), and 690 (v (C-H^r)). Synthesis of potassium i,3-diethoxy-2-methyl-i,3-dioxopropan-2-ide (KDEMM) modified PPBr, PPm. KDEMM (2 equiv.) was added under an inert atmosphere to a THF (4 ml) solution of PPBr (0.2 g) in an ampoule before being heated and stirred at 77 °C for 24 h. The final polymer was precipitated in acidified methanol (2wt% HC1) before being collected by filtration on a glass sintered frit (porosity 3), washed with methanol, then acetone, and dried in vacuo at 60 °C to a constant weight. PPm (3-99 mol%). *H NMR (600 MHz, C2D2C14, 393 K): 4.26 (4H, q, Vhh = 7.0 Hz, H18), 1.94 (2H, m, H1), 1.75-1.58 (22H, br m, H13), 1.58-1.29 (63H, br m, Ha, H2, H19, and H12 (anfO), 1.05-0.84 ppm (83H, br m, H*4 and H12 ^). ,3C{’H} NMR (151 MHz, C2D2C14, 393 K): 172.31 (2C, s, C"), 120.54, 99-89, 60.93 (2C, s, C*8), 5444 (1C s, C'3), 46.21 (C13), 43.63 (1C, s, Cn), 35.93 (1C, s, C1), 30.23 (1C, s, C“), 30.03 (1C, s, CQ), 29.67 (1C, s, Ca), 29.63 (1C, s, Ca), 29.42 (1C, s, Ca), 28.58 (C12), 26.58 (1C, s, C2), 24.45 (1C, s, Ca), 21.64 (C14), 20.05 (1C, s, C16), 14.06 (2C, s, C19). “Peaks corresponding to unassigned CH2. FTIR: v (cm-1) = 2950, 2867, and 1456 (v (C-H, CH3)), 2917, 2838, and 1377 (v (C-H, CHJ), 1736 (v(C=O)), 1253 and 1115 (v(C-O)). Synthesis of lithium phenylacetylide (LiPA) modified PPBr, PPpa. LiPA (2 equiv.) was added under an inert atmosphere to a THF (4 ml) solution of PPBr (0.2 g) in an ampoule before being heated and stirred at 77 °C for 24 h. The final polymer was precipitated in acidified methanol (2wt% HC1) before being collected by filtration on a glass sintered frit (porosity 3), washed with methanol, then acetone, and dried in vacuo at 60 °C to a constant weight. PPPA (3.99 mol%). ’H NMR (600 MHz, C2D2C14, 393 K): 7.47 (2H, d, 3jHH = 6.5 Hz, H17), 7.32 (3H, m, H18 and H19), 2.49 (2H, t, Vhh = 6.8 Hz, H2), 1.75-1.63 (24H, br m, H3 and H'3), 1.63-1.05 (57H br m, H", and H’2 <an®), 1.05-0.84 (89H, br m, H14 and H12 «C{«} NMR (151 MHz, C2D2C14, 393 K): 131.72 (2C, s, C’7), 128.15 (2C, s, C18), 127.37 (1C, s, C19), 124.69 (1C, s, C16), 90.83 (1C, s, C1), 80.96 (1C, s, C15), 46.21 (C13), 33.57 (1C, s, C“), 30.20 (1C, s, Ca), 29.67 (1C, s, Ca), 29.59 (1C, s, Ca), 29.20 (1C, s, Ca), 29.02 (1C, s, Ca), 29.01 (1C, s, Ca), 28.58 (C12), 26.83 (1C, s, Ca), 21.64 (C14), 19.55 (1C, s, C2). “Peaks corresponding to unassigned CH2.FHR: v (cm-1) = 2950, 2867, and 1456 (v (C-H, CH,)), 2917, 2838, and 1377 (v (C-H, CH2)), 1598 and 1491 (v (C=C)), 754 (v (C=Cv)), and 690 (v (C-Hv))- Synthesis of DEA modified ’PPbf and sPPBr, ’PPdea and sPPdea. DEA, (50 equiv.) and PPbt (200 mg) were added to an ampoule. The reaction mixture was heated at 150 °C and agitated for 48 hrs. The final polymer was precipitated in acidified methanol (2wt% HC1) before being collected by filtration on a glass sintered frit (porosity 3), washed with methanol, then acetone, and dried in vacuo at 60 °C to a constant weight. Polymer isolated: 178 mg ’PPdea (2.42 mol%) and 183 mg sPPdea (1.88 mol%). ’PPdea: *H NMR (600 MHz, C2D2C14, 393 K): 5 3.13 (4H, br s, H‘5)6, 3.00 (2H, br s, H1)6, 2.30, 2.13, 1.91 (2H, br s, H2)b, 1.75-1.63 (48.5H, br m, H’3), 1.63-1.23 (93H, br m, H3, H^^, H16 and H“)b, 1.20-0.81 (196H, br m, H12^, H14). ^{’H} NMR (151 MHz, C2D2C14, 393 K): 6 123.94, 120.54, 99-89, 51-88 (C1), 47-36 (C’5), 47.04 (C’5), 46.20 (C12), 43-63, 42-75, 35-92, 29.55, 29-49, 28.56 (C’3), 27.21, 23.52 (C2), 21.64 (C14), 8.85 (C16). FTIR: v (cm ') = 2951, 2868 and 1456 (v (C-H, CH3)), 2918, 2839 and 1376 (v (C-H, CH2)), 1228 (v (C-N))- sPPdea: ’H NMR (600 MHz, C2D2C14, 393 K): 8 3.13 (4H, br s, H’5)b, 3.01 (2H, br s, H’)b, 2.30, 2.13,1.91 (2H, br s, H2)b, 1.75-1.63 (53H, br m, H13), 1.63-1.26 (64H, br m, H3, H16 and Ha)h, 1.26-1.03 (103H, br m, H12 and Ha), 1.03-0.82 (155H, br m, H14). ^{’H} NMR (151 MHz, C2D2C14, 393 K): 8 120.53, 99-88, 51.55 (C1), 47-04 (C'5), 46.93 (C12), 28.14 (C13), 23.19 (C2), 20.09 (CM), 8.69 (O*). FTIR: v (cm-1) = 2956, 2868 and 1462 (v (C-H, CH.)), 2914, 2839 and 1377 (v (C-H, CH2)), 1232 (v (C-N)). “Resonances corresponding to unassigned CH2. b Peaks refer to *H atoms adjacent to the Nitrogen which appear broad, this could be attributed to the effect of the quadrupolar *4N on the relaxation rate. 11 11 12 Synthesis of P(O*Pr)3 modified 'PPb, and sPPBr, *PPppr and sPPppr. P(O'Pr)3 (50 equiv.) and PPbt (200 mg) were added to an ampoule. The reaction mixture was heated at 150 °C and agitated for 96 hrs. The final polymer was precipitated in acidified methanol (2wt% HC1) before being collected by filtration on a glass sintered frit (porosity 3), washed with methanol, then acetone, and dried in vacuo at 60 °C to a constant weight. Polymer isolated: 172 mg of *PPppr (2.42 mol%) and 193 mg of sPPppr (1.88 mol%). ‘PPppt: NMR (600 MHz, C2D2C14, 393 K): 8 4.73 (2H, m, H*s), 2.90, 2.12, 1.84-1.63 (66H, br m, H1, H*3 and H“), 1.63-1.24 (105H, br m, Hl2C"nTl), H16 and H“), 1.24-0.83 (252H, br m, H12 and H*4). ' KX'H} NMR (151 MHz, C2D2C14, 393 K): 8 120.54, 99.89, 69.58 (0*5), 46.21 (C-), 43.64(0°), 35.88(0°), 33-59(C°), 32.50 (0°), 29.66 (C“), 29.51 (0°), 29.19 (C"), 28.58 (C*3), 26.90 (C"), 26.84 (C°), 24.63 (C“), 24-11(0°), 24.09 (C“), 23.84 (C*6), 21.64 (C*4). 3>P{'H} NMR (243 MHz, C2D2C14, 393 K): 8 29.49. FTIR: v(cnrj 2951, 2868 and 1458 (v(C-H, CH3)), 2920, 2838 and 1377 (v(C-H, CH2)), 1250 (v(P=0)), 1109 (v (0-0)), 982 (v(P-O-C)). sPPpPrPH NMR (600 MHz, C2D2C14, 393 K): 8 4.74 (2H, h, H*5), 2.30, 2.12,1.86-1.62 (68H, br m, H*3, H1 and H°), 1.62-1.26 (59H, br m, H*6 and H°), 1.26- 1.03 (126H, br m, H12 and H°), 1.03-0.75 (190H, br m, H*4). 13C{>H} NMR (151 MHz, C2D2C14, 393 K): 8 120.54, 99-90, 69.28 (0*5), 46.93 (C*2), 46.29, 46.16,44.15, 28.14 (C*3), 24.09, 23.84 (C*6), 20.81, 20.62, 20.46, 20.09(014). 3*P{*H} NMR (243 MHz, C2D2C14, 393 K): 8 29.63. FTIR: v (cm-*) 2956, 2868 and 1464 (v (C-H, CH3)), 2914, 2839 and 1377 (v (C-H, CH2)), 1246 (v (P=0)), 1109 (v (0-0)), 982 (v (P-O-C)). “Peaks corresponding to unassigned CH2. Synthesis of Bn modified 'PPb, and sPPbt, ’PPbii and sPPBn. Bn (2 equiv.) and DBU (2 equiv.) were added to an ampoule containing PPbt (200 mg) and THF (5 mL). The reaction mixture was heated at 95 °C and agitated for 96 hrs. The final polymer was precipitated in acidified methanol (2wt% HC1) before being collected by filtration on a glass sintered frit (porosity 3), washed with methanol, then acetone, and dried in vacuo at 60 °C to a constant weight. Polymer isolated:i63 mg of 'PPbh and 205 mg of sPPbd. lPPBn: 1H NMR (600 MHz, C2D2C14, 393 K): 8 8.11 (2H, d, 3jHH = 7-4 Hz, H17), 7.62 (1H, t, Vhh = 7-4 Hz, H19), 7.51 (2H, t, Vhh = 7-4 Hz, H18), 4.42 (2H, t, Vhh = 6.6 Hz, H1), 1.88 (2H, p, Vhh = 7.2 Hz, H2), 1.75-1.64 (54H, br m, H'3)4.58-1.33 (81H, br m, H3, H4, Hi2(anti) anj ppQ, 1.07-0.92 (213H, br m, H12 H1*). ^CpH} (151MHz, C2D2Cl4, 393 K): 8 166.53 (C15) 132.60 (C19), 131.21 (C16) 129.60 (C17), 128.32 (C18), 120.54, 99-89, 65.21 (C1), 46.21 (C12), 43.62(0), 38.23(0), 33.58(0), 30.18(0), 29.62(0), 29.57(0), 29-33 (C4) 28.98 (O), 28.57 (C13), 26.83 (O), 26.16 (O), 21.64 (C*4)- FTIR: v (cm1) = 2950, 2867 and 1456(v(C-H, CH3)), 2917,2839 and 1376 (v(C-H, CH2)), 1726 (v(C=O)), 1272 (v(CAik-O)), 1111 (v(Ca,-O))- «PPBn: 'H NMR (600 MHz, C2D2C14,393 K): 8 8.11 (2H, d, Vhh = 7-5 Hz, H17), 7.62 (1H, t, Vhh = 7-4 Hz, H19), 7.51 (2H, t, Vhh = 7-6 Hz, H18), 4.42 (2H, t, Vhh = 6.6 Hz, H1), 1.88 (2H, p, 3JHh = 6.8 Hz, H2), 1.78-1.63 (25H, br m, H*), 1.63-1.26 (20H, br m, H3, H4 and H“), 1.26-1.03 (49H, br m, H12 and H“), 1.03-0.83 (75H, br m, H14). ^c^H} NMR (151MHz, C2D2C14, 393 K): 8 165.93 (O3), 132.61 (O9), 131.21 (C16), 129.60 (O7), 128.32 (O8), 120.54,99-89, 65.21 (O), 46.92 (C2), 44-15, 38.95, 32.68, 32.24, 29.56, 28.97 (C2), 28.14 (C*3), 27.54, 25.93 (C3), 20.62, 20.09 (C14). FTIR: v (cm1) = 2956, 2868 and 1464 (v (C-H, CH3)), 2915, 2841 and 1377 (v(C-H, CH2)), 1726 (v (C=0)), 1273 (v (CAik-O)), nil (v (Caf-O)). “Peaks corresponding to unassigned CH2. 11 11 12 19 Synthesis of KOPh modified 'PPbt and sPPBr, ‘PPoph and sPPoph. Under an inert nitrogen atmosphere, pre-prepared KOPh (2 equiv.), PPbf (200 mg) and THF (5 mL) were added to an ampoule and sealed with a Teflon tap. The reaction mixture was heated at 95 °C and agitated for 96 hrs. The polymer formed was worked up with the relevant procedure, yielding 187 mg of 'PPoph and 179 mg of sPPoph. ‘PPoph: ‘H NMR (600 MHz, C2D2C14,393 K): 8 7.33 (2H, t, Vhh = 7.6 Hz, H‘0, 6.99 (3H, dd, 3jHH = 12.8, 7.4 Hz, H16 and H18), 4.07 (2H, t, 3JHh = 7.6 Hz, H1), 2.30, 2.12, 1.87 (2H, p, 3jHH = 6.8 Hz, H2), 1.83-1.62 (59H, br m, H13), 1.63-1.21 (91H, br m, H3, H4, H12(anti) and HO 1.21-0.74 (240H, br m, H'2^ and H*4). <3C{‘H } (151 MHz, C2D2C14, 393 K): 8 159.61 (C‘0, 129.41 (C‘0, 120.70 (C8), 116.94 (C’O, 99-89, 68.59 (CO, 47.73, 46.21 (C12), 43.63, 35.85, 34 96, 34-24, 33-93, 33-91, 29.62, 29.54 28.66, 28.57 (C13), 21.89, 21.65 (C14). FTIR: v (cm-1) = 2951, 2868 and 1456 (v (C-H, CH3)), 2918, 2839 and 1377 (v (C-H, CH2)), 1601 and 1497 (v (C=C)), 1246 (v (CAik-O)), 1043 (v (Cat-O)). sPPOph: *H NMR (600 MHz, C2D2C14, 393 K): 8 7-33 (2H, t, Vhh = 7-7 Hz, H‘0, 6.99 (3H, dd, Vhh = 12.6, 7.4 Hz, H16 and H18), 4.07 (2H, t, 3JHH = 6.5 Hz, H‘), 2.30, 2.13,1.88 (2H, p, Vhh = 6.8 Hz, H2), 1.77-1.62 (53H, br m, H13), 1.62-1.26 (30H, br m, H3 and HO, 1.26-1.03 (107H, br m, H12 and HO, 1.03-0.8 (165H, br m, H14). (151 MHz, C2D2C14, 393 K): 8 159.62 (C’O, 129.40 (C’O, 120.70 (C18), 120.54,115-31 (C’O, 99-89, 68.59 (C1), 46.93 (C’O, 46.30, 46.16, 44.16 (Ca), 43-47 (CO, 34-77 (CO, 29.61 (C2), 29.54 (CO, 29.43 (CO, 28.14 (C’O, 26.27 (CO, 26.17 (CO, 20.82 (CO, 20.63, 20.48 (CO, 20.09 (C14). FTIR: v(cnr’) = 2954, 2868 and 1462 (v(C-H, CH3)), 2914, 2839 and 1377 (v (C-H, CH2)), 1602 and 1497 (v (C=C)), 1244 (v (Cah-O)), 1038 (v (Cat-O)). “Peaks corresponding to unassigned CH2. Synthesis of KDEMM modified 'PPb, and sPPBr, 'PPm and sPPm. Under an inert nitrogen atmosphere, KDEMM salt (2 equiv.), PPbt (200 mg) and THF (5 mL) were added to an ampoule and sealed with a Teflon tap. The reaction mixture was heated at 95 °C and agitated for 96 hrs. The final polymer was precipitated in acidified methanol (2wt% HC1) before being collected by filtration on a glass sintered frit (porosity 3), washed with methanol, then acetone, and dried in vacuo at 60 °C to a constant weight. Polymer isolated: 173 mg of 'PPm and 210 mg of sPPm. 'PPm: 'H NMR (600 MHz, C2D2CI4, 393 K): 8 4.26 (4H, q, Vhh = 7.0 Hz, H18), 2.30, 2.13,1.95 (2H, m, H'), 1.90-1.63 (67H, br m, H13), 1.63-1.24 (90H, br m, H2, H12(anti\ H'\ Hw and H"), 1.24-0.86 (225H, br m, and H14). 13C{'H} (151MHz, C2D2C14, 393 K): 8 172.30 (C*?), 99.89, 60.93 (C18), 54-14 (C15), 46.21 (C12), 43.63 (C“), 35.93 (C1), 30.22 (C“), 30.03 (Ca), 29.68 (Ca), 26.63 (Ca), 29.41 (Ca), 28.57 (C13), 26.85 (Ca), 25.64 (Ca), 24.45 (C2), 21.64 (C14), 20.05 (C16), 15.81, 14.06 (C19). FTIR: v (cm-1) = 2951, 2868 and 1458 (v (C-H, CH3)), 2918, 2839, and 1377 (v (C-H, CHJ), 1735 (v (C=0)), 1255 and 1113 (v (C-0)). -PPm: ’H NMR (600 MHz, C2D2C14,393 K): 8 4.26 (4H, q, 3Jhh = 7.0 Hz, H'8), 2.30. 2.13, 1.95 (2H, m, H1), 1.89-1.63 (56H, br m, H13), 1.63-1.26 (52H, br m, H2, H15, H19 and H“), 1.26-1.03 (109H, br m, H12 and Ha), 1.03-0.82 (165H, br m, H14). 13C{1H} (151MHz, C2D2C14, 393 K): 8 172.30 (C‘7), 120.54, 99-89, 60.93 (C18), 54-¼ (C«), 46.92 (C12), 46.29,42.37, 29.66, 28.14 (C13), 24.44 (C2), 20.82,20.62, 20.46, 20.09 (C14), 19.65 (C16), 14.06 (C*9). FTIR: v (cm-') = 2956, 2868 and 1468 (v (C-H, CH3)), 2914, 2839 and 1377 (v (C-H, CH2)), 1736 (v (C=0)), 1246 and 1113 (v (C-0)). “Peaks corresponding to unassigned CH2. Synthesis of potassium i,3-diethoxy-2-methyl-i,3-dioxopropan-2-ide (KDEMM). Potassium t-butoxide (1.2 g, 1 eq.) were dissolved in THF (12 ml) in a schlenk and diethyl methyl malonate (DEMM, 2 ml, 1.2 eq.) added dropwise via cannula transfer. After stirring for 16 h volatiles were removed in vacuo and the solid washed with pentane (3 x 20 ml) and dried in vacuo to yield a yellow? solid (96.20 %), mp 164-166 °C. 'H NMR (500 MHz, THF-d8, 298 K): 6 = 3.89 (q, 3J = 7.1 Hz, 4H, H3-), 1.67 (s, 3H, H4), 1.14 (t, 3J=7.i Hz, 6H, H6-«); ^{‘H} NMR (126 MHz, THF-d8, 298 K): 8 = 172.1 (C1’3), 61.0 (C2), 57.3 (O?), 15.7 (C4), 12.2 (C6’8). Synthesis of potassium phenolate (KOPh). Phenol (3 g, 1.5 eq.) were dissolved in THF (6 ml) in a schlenk and added dropwise via cannula transfer to a schlenk containing a slurry of potassium hydride (0.85 g, 1 eq.) in THF (6 ml). After stirring for 16 h volatiles were removed in vacuo and the solid washed with pentane (3 x 20 ml) and dried in vacuo to yield a white solid (96.16 %), mp 103-104 °C. ’H NMR (500 MHz, THF-d8, 298 K): 8 = 6.53 (m, 2H, o-Ct^Hg), 6.51 (dd, J = 8.4, 0.80 Hz, 2H, 6.25 (tt, J = 7.2., 1.2 Hz, 1H, p-C^); >3C{‘H} NMR (126 MHz, THF-d8, 298 K): 8 = 168.3 (C1), 130.0 (C3 3), 118.7 (C2-6), 113.0 (C4). Lap shear strength Table 2: LSS measured adhesive forces Entry Steel Aluminium PP 0.07983 (0.06995) 0.14622 (0.06299) PPBr 0.27859 (0.2268) 2.05613 (0.68799) PPdea 0.38582 (0.18388) 1.76286 (0.69736) PPeae 1.65481 (0.76366) 2.59508 (0.61809) PPdeoa 5-03594 (0.9856) 3.85552 (0.85359) Values reported in MPa. One standard deviation, shown in brackets (0).

Claims

1. A copolymer comprising:propylene repeating units A; andw-substituted a-olefin repeating units B,wherein the w-substituted ct-olefin repeating units B are each independently substituted by a moiety X selected from a group consisting of halogen, -NR1R2, -P(=O)(OR3)2, -00(=0)^, -0R5, -SR6, -CR7(C(=O)OR8, -C=C-Ry,wherein Ri to R9 are each independently unsubstituted or substituted (i-2oC)alkyl, unsubstituted or substituted (2-2oC)alkenyl, unsubstituted or substituted (2-2oC)alkynyl, unsubstituted or substituted (1-2 oC) alkoxy, unsubstituted or substituted (6-2oC)aryl, unsubstituted or substituted (2-2oC)heteroaryl, unsubstituted or substituted (3-2oC)carbocyclyl, unsubstituted or substituted (2-2oC)heterocyclyl, unsubstituted or substituted (i-2oC)haloalkyl, and unsubstituted or substituted (i-2oC)hydroxyalkyl.

2. The copolymer according to claim 1, wherein the moiety X is selected from a groupconsisting of -NRiR2, -P(=0)(0R3)2, -0C(=0)-R4, -0R5, -SRe, -CR7(C(=O)ORs, -C=C-Rq, wherein Rt to R9 are defined as above.

3. The copolymer according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the copolymer comprises So-99.5 mol% of propylene repeating units A.

4. The copolymer according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the copolymer comprises 0.5-20 mol% of (o-substituted a-olefin repeating units B.

5. The copolymer according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the weight average molecular weight Mw is 40,000 g / mol or more as measured by GPC.

6. The copolymer according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the copolymer is isotactic or syndiotactic.7- The copolymer of any one of the preceding claims, wherein each (o-substituted a-olefin repeating unit B, independently has the structural formula Bi:[Formula Bl]YwhereinY is a linking group connecting Ct to X; andX is a moiety linked to Y as define above.

8. The copolymer of claim 7, wherein Y is a (6-i2C)alkylene group linking Cl to X.

9. The copolymer of any one of the preceding claims, wherein each to-substituted a-olefin repeating unit B, independently has the structural formula:wherein X is a moiety as define above.io. The copolymer according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the moiety X is -NRiR2, wherein Ri and R2 are each independently (i-6C)alkyl or (1-6C)hydroxyalkyl.

11. The copolymer according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the moiety X is -P(=0)(0R3)2 wherein R3 is each independently selected from -OPh and -0(i-6C)alkyl).

12. The copolymer according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the moiety X is -0C(=0)-R4, wherein R4 is (i-6C)alkyl, (i-6C)haloalkyl, (i-6C)hydroxyalkyl, (6-ioC)aryl, or (2-6C)alkenyl.

13. The copolymer according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the moiety X is selected from the following structures:wherein R is the w-carbon atom of Y.14-The copolymer according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the moiety X iswherein R is the o-carbon atom of Y, and wherein the polymer is further cross-linked by vulcanization.15- The polymer according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the moiety X iswherein R is the w-carbon atom ofApplication No: GB2408339.6Examiner: Dr Albert MthuphaClaims searched: 1-15Date of search: 11 December 2024Patents Act 1977: Search Report under Section 17Documents considered to be relevant:Category Relevant to claims Identity of document and passage or figure of particular relevance A - WO 2015 / 059230 Al (BOREALIS AG), see whole document. A - WO 2013 / 000769 Al (BOREALIS AG), see whole document. A - WO 2007 / 013585 Al (JAPAN POLYPROPYLENE CORP), see whole document. A - US 2019 / 0010263 Al (REICHELT et al ), see whole document. A - US 2016 / 0168287 Al (REICHELT et al ), see whole document. A - EP 1448622 Bl (BASELL POLIOLEFINE SRL), see whole document.Categories:X Document indicating lack of novelty or inventive step A Document indicating technological background and / or state of the art. Y Document indicating lack of inventive step if P Document published on or after the declared priority date but combined with one or more other documents of same category. before the filing date of this invention. & Member of the same patent family E Patent document published on or after, but with priority date earlier than, the filing date of this application.Field of Search:International Classification:Subclass Subgroup Valid From C08F 0210 / 06 01 / 01 / 2006 C08L 0023 / 14 01 / 01 / 2006

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