Prof. Santappa's main areas of work relate to synthesis of graft copolymers by a simple chain transfer process and studies on the properties of macromolecules by light scattering and osmotic techniques. Syntheses and kinetic studies of condensation polymers involving tetra - and trialkyl phenols and formaldehyde have yielded valuable information. Complementary to the polymerization studies, oxidation of various organic substrates has also been investigated.