New Products and Processes by Carbocationic Polymerizations

University Of Akron, Akron OH

Investigators

Abstract

The overall objective of this grant is the preparation of unique novel, potentially useful, polymeric materials by new syntheses employing inexpensive monomers/chemicals and conventional equipment. The synthesis methods involve living carbocationic polymerizations (LC+Pzn) or a combination of LC+Pzn with other techniques, and are based on recently generated mechanistic insight . While the emphasis is always on synthesis, the elucidation of structure/property relationships and a measure of mechanical testing to suggest utility are essential parts of the projects. The proposal consists of four main projects and numerous subordinate projects: 1. Living Cationic Azeotropic Copolymerization of Isobutylene and Styrene, and Isobutylene/Styrene Copolymers Prepared by this Route. 2. Organic/Inorganic Hybrid Stars and Networks by Sol/Gel Chemistry. 3. New Thermoplastic Elastomers by Combination of Living Cationic and Radical Polymerizations. 4. Synthesis and Characterization of Novel Amphiphilic Membranes (two subprojects): A. Chemically Crosslinked Membranes, and B. Physically Crosslinked Membranes. These projects concern the preparation of novel prototype materials and investigations suggesting utility for various engineering and biomaterials applications; therefore the potential impact on advancing knowledge in designed polymeric materials could be significant. The projects will be carried out by graduate students in polymer science.