Developing semicrystalline star polyethylenes and advanced polyethylene ionomers

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The overall objective of this proposed research is to develop and design a novel class of value-added polyethylenes materials of well-defined chain structures/architectures/ functionalities and high-performance properties through discovering/developing new polymerization and catalyst technologies. These polymers are anticipated to constitute the next generation polyethylenes. Two specific projects are defined in this proposed research: (1) designing advanced semicrystalline star polyethylenes featured with crystallizable linear arms by “living” ethylene polymerization facilitated with multinuclear Ni catalysts; (2) synthesis of novel polyethylene ionomers by direct catalytic polymerization of ethylene with ionic comonomers. The proposed research is innovative and is highly multidisciplinary in nature and combines diverse disciplines including polymer chemistry and physics, materials science, catalysis, organometallic chemistry, and polymer reaction engineering. It is expected that this research will lead to a novel class of advanced semicrystalline star polyethylenes and value-added polyethylene ionomers and, which may find wide applications in industry. The new catalyst and polymerization technologies to be developed will also be of great value to Canada's polymer industry and can potentially be utilized by Canadian polyolefin manufacturers. The fundamental knowledge generated in this research will also contribute significantly to the design and synthesis of polyolefin materials and broaden the understanding of polymer structure-property relationships. The research will also provide excellent opportunities for the training of highly qualified personnel at Laurentian University, who will constitute the next generation high-tech work force in Canada’s polymer industry.