Polymer materials have long been valued for their insulating properties. But recent advancements have revealed their potential as electrically conductive materials, offering an alternative to traditional metallic conductors with the added benefit of reduced environmental impact. This review article provides a comprehensive overview of conducting organic polymers, focusing on their conceptual foundations, diverse applications, and their significant role in mitigating environmental pollution. The paper begins with an exploration of how polymeric materials have progressed from insulators to conductors, explaining the basic principles and mechanisms behind their electrical conductivity. It then provides an insight into the various applications enabled by their unique optical and electronic properties, including their use in light-emitting diodes, electrochromic displays, smart windows, fuel cells, solar cells, supercapacitors and batteries. Additionally, the review emphasizes the potential of conducting organic polymers in mitigating environmental pollution, particularly through their role in wastewater treatment and e-waste management. By examining recent advancements and promising future prospects, this article underscores the potential of conducting organic polymers to revolutionize both electronic technology and environmental sustainability.

Oligo(L-lactic acid) (OLLA) was synthesized by ring opening polymerization of L-lactides using stannous octoate (0.03 wt% of lactide). While this served as the initiator, L-lactic acids were the co-initiators at 140 °C for 10 h, wherein L-lactic acids were prepared by hydrolytic degradation of L-lactides at 100 °C for 1 h. The molecular weight or degree of polymerization was controlled with monomer/co-initiator ratio (mol/mol). α-cellulose and microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) were extracted from jute fiber by subsequent treatment with sodium chlorite (Na₂ClO₂), NaOH and H₂SO₄. Grafting of OLLA onto α-cellulose and MCC in toluene was carried out using para-toluene sulphonic acid as a catalyst and potassium persulphate (KPS) as an initiator at 130 °C under 380 mm (Hg) pressure for 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, and 18 h. New properties of α-cellulose and MCC were observed due to the successful grafting onto α-cellulose and MCC. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and scanning electron microscope (SEM) were conducted in order to confirm grafting of OLLA onto cellulose and MCC. The FTIR analysis results showed there are some new characteristic absorption peaks appeared (1728 to 1732 cm⁻¹) in the spectrum, which confirmed the grafting of OLLA onto α-cellulose and MCC was successful. SEM images of α-cellulose and MCC before and after grafting revealed significant changes in surface morphology. Grafting of MCC could be more effective for further application in comparison to α-cellulose.

Oxidatively degradable and thermally stable polyurethanes incorporating diacylhydrazine moieties were synthesized via solution polymerization of 4-hydroxy-N'-(4-hydroxybenzoyl)benzohydrazide with hexamethylene diisocyanate and toluene-2,4-diisosyanate. Structural characterization by NMR and IR confirmed the successful incorporation of diacylhydrazine and carbamate groups. TGA-DTA analysis revealed multistep thermal degradation with high stability. The polymers exhibited rapid oxidative degradation in 10% sodium hypochlorite, yielding carboxylic acids. Strong intermolecular hydrogen bonding rendered them insoluble in most organic solvents but soluble in highly polar media such as NMP and concentrated H2SO4. This study presents a versatile strategy for designing polyurethanes with both thermal robustness and controlled oxidative degradability. Dhaka Univ. J. Sci. 74(1): 186-191, 2026 (January)