RUI: Studies of Copolymer Additive Effects on Polymer Blends Using Scattering and Microscopy Techniques

技术总结作为本科研究机构（RUI）奖的一部分，将进行的研究将调查共聚物添加剂对聚合物共混物的相边界和相分离动力学的影响。 所使用的共聚物添加剂在组成和拓扑结构上会有所不同，集中于二嵌段、多嵌段和星星共聚物。这项研究将扩大了解这些添加剂对本体共混体系的影响，并有助于相对较少的现有研究的聚合物共混物在薄膜中的增容。随着添加剂对聚合物共混物影响的增加，新的知识可以应用于工业系统，最终导致聚合物共混物材料的加工和性能的改善。该研究将在一个以本科为主的机构进行，为至少9名本科生提供研究经验。建议的研究建立在以前的结果，这表明，共聚物添加剂可以用来影响共混物的平衡和动力学性能。在这项研究中使用的共聚物的拓扑结构和单体组成将加强和补充以前的工作，以及工业利益的强烈交叉连接。模型体系是聚丁二烯和聚苯乙烯均聚物的共混物，添加剂是丁二烯和苯乙烯的共聚物。研究将使用光和中子散射的聚合物共混物系统中的散装，而原子力显微镜将被用来调查聚合物共混物在薄膜中的相容性。蒙特卡罗计算机模拟，以及合成技术的使用（例如，活性自由基和复分解以及阴离子）将被用于加强研究。此外，还将开展外展活动，为代表性不足的学生提供机会，并与社区学院进行交流。非技术总结高性能塑料是我们社会的许多方面所不可或缺的，从手机壳，环保屋顶材料，到汽车的关键部件。作为NSF本科院校研究奖的一部分进行的研究将有助于增加我们对如何制造具有定制特性的此类材料的基础知识，并最终可能导致制造具有特定特性的新塑料的能力提高。本科生将是这项研究的主要参与者，为他们提供重要的经验，并促进他们进入学士后教育以及科学工作队伍。 这一奖项也将有利于东道机构的教育工作。外联活动也包括将当地数学，工程和科学成就（梅萨）计划中代表性不足的高中生带到我们的实验室进行聚合物材料研讨会。此外，首席研究员将与当地社区学院的教师合作，向学生介绍纳米技术和材料科学。

TECHNICAL SUMMARYThe research to be conducted as part of this Research in Undergraduate Institution (RUI) award will investigate the influence of copolymer additives on the phase boundary and phase separation kinetics of polymer blends. The copolymer additives used will vary in composition and topology focused on diblock, multiblock, and star copolymers. This research will expand the understanding regarding the effects these additives have on bulk blend systems, and contribute to the relatively few existing studies of polymer blend compatibilization in thin films. As the effects of additives on polymer blends increases, new knowledge can be applied to industrial systems, ultimately leading to improved processing and performance of polymer blend materials. The research will take place in a predominantly undergraduate institution, providing research experiences for at least nine undergraduate students. The proposed research builds on previous results, which have demonstrated that copolymer additives can be used to affect equilibrium and kinetic properties of blends. The topology and monomer composition of the copolymers used in this study will enhance and complement previous work, as well as make strong crossover connections to industrial interests. The model system is a blend of polybutadiene and polystyrene homopolymers, and the additives will be copolymers of butadiene and styrene. Studies will be done using light and neutron scattering for polymer blend systems in the bulk while atomic force microscopy will be used to investigate polymer blend compatibilization in thin films. Monte Carlo computer simulation, and the use of synthetic techniques (e.g., living free radical and metathesis as well as anionic) will be used to enhance the research. Outreach activities will also be included that provide opportunities for underrepresented students and for interfacing with community colleges.NON-TECHNICAL SUMMARYHigh performance plastics are integral to many aspects of our society from cell phone cases, environmentally friendly roofing materials, to critical components in automobiles. The research to be conducted as part of this NSF Research in Undergraduate Institutions award will help increase our fundamental knowledge of how to make these kinds of materials with tailored properties and may eventually lead to an increased ability to manufacture new plastics with specific properties. Undergraduate students will be the primary participants in this research giving them vital experience and facilitating their movement into post-baccalaureate education as well as in the scientific work force. This award will also be beneficial to the educational efforts of the host institution. Outreach activities are also included that bring underrepresented high school students from a local Mathematics, Engineering, and Science Achievement (MESA) program to our labs for a polymer materials workshop. Additionally, the principal investigator will work with faculty from local community colleges to bring presentations on nanotechnology and materials science to their students.