QSAR/QSPR in Polymers

Predictive modeling of the properties of polymers and polymeric materials is getting more attention, while it is still very complicated due to complexity of these materials. In this review, we discuss main applications of quantitative structure-property/activity relationships (QSPR/QSAR) methods for polymers published recently. The most relevant publications are discussed covering this field highlighting the main advantages and drawbacks of the obtained predictive models. Examples dealing with refractive index, glass transition temperatures, intrinsic viscosity, thermal decomposition and flammability properties are shown, together with a fouling-release activity study. Finally, some considerations are discussed in order to give some clues that could lead to the improvement in the efficient computational design and/or optimization of new polymers with enhanced properties/activities.