the present invention discloses polymeric materials that incorporate a modified quinone core structure , which serves as a cross - linking agent or a monomeric unit within the polymer . these polymers can be efficiently degraded through electrochemical reduction . moreover , the polymer &# 39 ; s degradation rate can be tuned by making predictable structural changes . the disclosed polymer compositions can be used to produce electrochemically degradable commodities such as adhesives , concrete and the like .