PECASE: Photopolymerization Kinetics and Consequent Nanostructure of Lyotropic Liquid Crystalline Systems

可聚合性溶致液晶（LLC）体系所呈现的独特的有序结构为许多潜在的重要应用提供了各种各样的结构。然而，使用聚合LLC材料的主要障碍是在整个聚合过程中保持和控制这种结构的能力。通常，在聚合过程中，热力学驱动的相分离发生，留下很少或没有液晶秩序。PI计划的研究主题是使用光聚合动力学作为纳米探针来预测和控制LLC体系的纳米结构。两个基本的和互补的问题将解决使用组合聚合的LLC单体和LLC模板聚合。首先，有序和有序程度对聚合行为的影响有什么作用？材料的光聚合跨越有限责任相的范围将被监测，以了解在聚合过程中发生的变化。可能影响相行为和结构控制的因素包括温度、LLC相结构和稳定性、组成、聚合时间尺度和迁移率。其次，聚合对结构演变和控制这种结构的能力有什么影响？影响相行为、相分离、聚合物结构和各向异性的因素将在聚合之前、期间和之后进行广泛的研究。这两个问题的结果将形成一个完整的模型，动力学和热力学因素，控制最终的聚合物结构。本研究的实际成果是：(1)对聚合和控制最终聚合物结构的机制有了全面的了解；(2)建立了为特定应用而设计的具有可控和可调纳米结构的LLC系统的分子水平设计的原则和方法。本次PECASE项目的主要主题是学生教育。将强调本科生和研究生研究人员在发现学习环境中的广泛参与。作为吸引最优秀、最聪明的学生学习高分子科学和工程的一种手段，高中化学的高分子模块是教育组成部分的主要组成部分。与花瓣高中合作，将开发一个为期三周的模块，介绍高分子科学领域的基础知识、应用和研究机会。讲座、演示、实验室和测试材料将相互关联，以强调聚合物在日常生活中的重要性。虚拟实验室，网络材料和动手实验将被纳入。课程将涉及广泛的规划和学区、大学和当地工业的参与。成功实施后，该模块将被带到哈蒂斯堡和橡树林学区。根据这些经验，将为全州的高中化学教师开发一个为期两天的教学课程。将特别关注那些在科学和工程领域未被充分代表的群体比例很高的地区的参与。该模块也将适当修改，以适应大专院校的化学入门课程。

ABSTRACT0093911University of Southern MississippiAllan GuymonThe unique ordering presented by polymerizable lyotropic liquid crystalline (LLC) systems provides a wide variety of structures for a number of potentially important applications. The major obstacle in using polymerized LLC materials, however, is the ability to remain and control this structure throughout the polymerization. Typically, thermodynamically driven phase separation occurs during polymerization, leaving little or no liquid crystalline order. The theme of the research planned by the PI is to use the photopolymerization kinetics as a nanoscopic probe to predict and control the nanostructure of LLC systems. Two fundamental and complementary questions will be addressed using a combination of polymerization of LLC monomers and LLC templated polymerizations. First, what role do order and the degree of order have in influencing the polymerization behavior? The photopolymerization of materials spanning the gamut of LLC phases will be monitored to understand changes that occur during polymerization. Factors that may influence phase behavior and structure control including temperature, LLC phase structure and stability, composition, polymerization time scale, and mobility will be examined. Second, what influence does the polymerization have on structural evolution and the ability to control this structure? Factors influencing phase behavior, phase separation, polymer structure and anisotropy will be examined extensively before, during and after polymerization. Results for both questions will be related forming a complete model of the factors, both kinetic and thermodynamic, governing the ultimate polymer structure. Tangible outcomes of this research are (1) development of a complete understanding of the polymerization and the mechanisms governing ultimate polymer structure and (2) establishment of the principles and methods for the molecular level design of LLC systems with controllable and adjustable nanostructure designed for particular applications.A prevailing theme in this PECASE project will be student education. Extensive involvement of undergraduate and graduate researchers in a discovery learning environment will be emphasized. As a means to attract the best and brightest students to polymer science and engineering, a polymer module for high school chemistry is a primary element of the educational component. In collaboration with Petal High School, a three-week module will be developed that presents the fundamentals, applications, and research opportunities in the field of polymer science. Lecture, demonstration, laboratory, and testing materials will be correlated to emphasize the importance of polymers in everyday life. Virtual labs, web-based materials and hands-on experiments will be incorporated. The curriculum will involve extensive planning and involvement from the school district, the university, and local industry. After successful implementation, the module will be brought to the Hattiesburg and Oak Grove school districts. From these experiences a two-day instruction course will be developed for high school chemistry teachers throughout the state. Special focus will be placed on involvement of districts with high percentages of underrepresented groups in science and engineering. The module will also be modified appropriately for introductory chemistry courses at both junior colleges and universities.