Purchase of Light Scattering Instrumentation for Research in Polymer Synthesis and Characterization

化学研究仪器和设施（CRIF）计划的这一奖项将使宾夕法尼亚州西切斯特大学化学系能够购买光散射检测器和配件。 该设备将主要由初级教员Felix E.他的研究重点是聚合物合成和表征。 具体来说，古德森博士将使用仪器来确定合成的聚合物的分子量，并研究分子量与回转半径的依赖关系。 在一个项目中，他将研究具有交替刚性和柔性链段的共聚物及其结构-性能关系。 在另一个项目中，他将探索具有精确定义分子量的新型聚合物的固相合成。 光散射仪是测定聚合物分子量以及分子量对物理和材料性能影响的关键工具。 这些研究应有助于更好地了解导致这些性能优化的因素，这反过来又会改善其技术应用。 光散射仪器也将使学生获得实践经验与聚合物表征的基本技术。

This award from the Chemistry Research Instrumentation and Facilities (CRIF) Program will enable the Department of Chemistry at West Chester University of Pennsylvania to purchase a light scattering detector and accessories. This equipment will be used primarily by junior faculty member Felix E. Goodson, whose research focuses on polymer synthesis and characterization. Specifically, Dr. Goodson will use the instrumentation to determine the molecular weights of the polymers synthesized, and to study the molecular weight vs. radius of gyration dependencies. In one project, he will investigate copolymers with alternating rigid and flexible segments and their structure-properties relationships. In another project, he will explore solid phase synthesis of novel polymers with precisely defined molecular weights. The light scattering instrument is a pivotal tool for determining molecular weights of polymers and the effect of molecular weight on physical and materials properties of interest. These studies should lead to a greater understanding of factors that lead to the optimization of these properties, which will in turn improve their technological applications. The light scattering instrumentation will also allow students to gain hands-on experience with a fundamental technique of polymer characterization.