Functional polymers and networks

我们研究具有有趣结构和性质的聚合物和聚合物网络的形成。例如，我们使用交联剂单体在选定的溶剂中进行沉淀聚合，形成直径为2至18微米的清洁、单分散的微球，通过不断沉积新的聚合物纳米凝胶来实现胶体稳定。我们正在学习如何使用这种顺序的、逐层生长的过程，在颗粒生长过程中使用热循环和注入共聚单体来刻写具有独特结构和组成的层。这导致直接形成具有定义的洋葱结构的多层微球。

We study the formation of polymers and polymer networks with interesting structures and properties. For example, we use precipitation polymerization of crosslinking monomers in select solvents to form clean, mono-disperse microspheres of 2 to 18 micrometer diameter, that are colloidally stabilized by the ongoing deposition of new polymer nanogels. We are learning how to use this sequential, layer-by-layer growth process to inscribe layers of unique structure and composition, using thermal cycling as well as injection of co-monomers, during particle growth. This results in direct formation of multi-layered microspheres with defined onion structures.