New Polymers from Multi-Vinyl Monomer Homopolymerisation

点击翻译按钮获取中文摘要

Branched polymers offer novel material behaviour and unique product benefits; several systems have been commercialised leading to significant market value. Many of the chemistries that are used for branched polymer production are difficult to perform. Often the type of material that can be made and the cost of manufacture mean that materials are not viable for a range of potential applications. Within this research, the programme of science that is proposed will establish a completely new synthetic approach to branched polymers, opening avenues of investigation that could significantly impact the scale-up and supply of new polymers for advanced applications. The programme has an early partnership with a UK company with a track record of commercialisation of UK University fundamental science, aiming to provide a route to rapid economic and societal impact that is embedded into the research at the outset. Branched polymers are used in various commodity applications such a paper-manufacturing, coatings and sealants, laundry powders and water purification; however, uses in more advanced technologies is restricted by the chemistries that may be accessed in their synthesis. Here, we propose a new approach that opens the scope of branched polymer chemistry beyond conventional chemical techniques, thereby offering new materials to academics and industry. The chemistry will generate a world-leading position for UK academia and has the potential to generate considerable value for the UK economy through patented technologies, generating a competitive advantage for UK industry