PROCESSES FOR FUNCTIONALIZATION AND POLYMERIZATION OF POLYAROMATIC FEEDSTOCK

Processes for chemically treating polyaromatic feedstock to form aromatic-containing oligomers or polymers are provided. The processes are characterized by treatment of a plurality of different polyaromatic hydrocarbon molecules and/or polyheterocyclic molecules present in polyaromatic feedstock with a first reagent so as to functionalize the molecules. Further treatment in a second step affords oligomeric or polymeric products which may be crosslinked. The products may be thermoplastic or thermoset materials and may find use in, for example, infrastructure applications, composites, fillers, fire retardants and 3-D printing materials.