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

技术总结作为本科生研究所(RUI)奖项的一部分，将开展的研究将调查共聚添加剂对聚合物共混物的相界面和相分离动力学的影响。使用的共聚物添加剂的组成和拓扑结构将有所不同，主要是双嵌段、多嵌段和星形共聚物。这项研究将扩大对这些添加剂对本体共混体系的影响的理解，并有助于目前相对较少的聚合物共混薄膜增容研究。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得到改进。这项研究将在一个以本科生为主的机构进行，为至少9名本科生提供研究经验。这项拟议的研究建立在以前的结果的基础上，这些结果表明共聚添加剂可以用来影响共混物的平衡和动力学性质。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，并与工业利益建立强有力的交叉联系。模型体系是聚丁二烯和聚苯乙烯均聚物的混合物，添加剂将是丁二烯和苯乙烯的共聚物。将使用光散射和中子散射对聚合物共混体系进行研究，而原子力显微镜将用于研究聚合物共混在薄膜中的增容作用。将使用蒙特卡罗计算机模拟和使用合成技术(例如，活性自由基和复分解以及阴离子)来加强研究。还将包括为代表不足的学生提供机会并与社区大学接触的外联活动。非技术性总结高性能塑料对我们社会的许多方面都是不可或缺的，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，这项研究将有助于增加我们关于如何制造具有定制性能的此类材料的基本知识，并最终可能导致提高制造具有特定性能的新塑料的能力。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学位后教育和科学工作大军。这一奖项也将有利于主办机构的教育努力。外展活动还包括将当地数学、工程和科学成就(MESA)项目的未被充分代表的高中生带到我们的实验室参加聚合物材料研讨会。此外，首席研究员将与当地社区大学的教师合作，为他们的学生带来关于纳米技术和材料科学的演讲。

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.