Design and synthesis of functional polymer colloids

点击翻译按钮获取中文摘要

Scientific and technological progress in several fields, including surface coatings, nanotechnology, microelectronics and the health sciences, is increasingly dependent on discovering innovative routes to making advanced materials. Being able to produce these materials with minimal environmental impact is an important consideration, from both societal and economic perspectives. This research involves the design of polymer colloids (nano-size polymer particles dispersed in water) with carefully controlled microstructure that makes them suitable as building blocks for advanced materials. Microstructure refers to the manner in which atoms are arranged within larger molecules. Improved control of a material's microstructure allows the material scientist or engineer to custom tailor the material properties for specific applications to deliver enhanced performance. Part of the research will seek to develop a process for making polymer colloids using a type of chemistry (ROMP, or Ring Opening Metathesis Polymerization) not currently common in water-based dispersions. This will allow us to greatly expand the range of polymers that can be made into nanoparticle form in water-based dispersions. Another phase of the research involves making stimuli-responsive, or "smart", polymer colloids that could form coatings capable of responding to mechanical stresses by changing colour. Such a coating could provide a visual indication when a part or component of a structure has experienced a severe impact or stress. The final part of the research involves using an innovative chemistry known as "Controlled Radical Polymerization" to design polymer particles in which the molecular properties can be controlled and tailored to a much greater degree than is possible using current technology, using an environmentally-friendly, solvent-free process. This could lead to new, advanced products and improve existing products for a variety of applications, including established industries such as coatings, paints and adhesives but also in emerging industries.