New directions in the green polymer laboratory: Biodegradable functional polymers

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My research program uses the power of catalysis to address environmental challenges by performing both fundamental and applied studies. Given the expanding, but limited, use of biodegradable polyesters such as poly(lactic acid) (PLA) as biomaterials in a range of applications, there is a critical need to control and optimize the properties and functionality of these polymers in order to achieve the goals of improved performance characteristics and functionalization. Polyolefin generation and use currently dwarfs that of biodegradable alternative due, in part, to the limited range of properties available for biopolymers such as PLA. As was the case for polyolefins, the key to developing a better biopolymer is a better catalyst. One of our key objectives is to develop the next generation of high performance biodegradable polymer: longer lived, robust, yet ultimately degradable. We have shown previously that indium is a privileged metal for the ring opening polymerization of cyclic esters to form biodegradable polymers. To enhance these materials, we propose to develop a new generation of catalysts and we will focus on two major families. Firstly, we explore the synthesis and reactivity of cationic indium complexes and utilize them as catalysts for two reactions: 1) coupling of lactones and epoxides to form a special class of expanding monomers which we can further polymerize to form cross-linked functionalized polyesters and 2) ring opening polymerization of functionalized epoxides to form polyethers. These polymers have the potential to be used as responsive polymers in areas ranging from drug delivery to membrane technology in fuel cells. In the second project, we develop ligand platforms that support bimetallic catalysts which we aim to use for the copolymerization of lactones and olefins, in order to generate more robust biodegradable materials for advanced applications. This research aims to engender significant developments in the areas of catalyst development and polymer synthesis and characterization, applications in diversified areas such as biopolymers, petrochemicals, material science, and drug delivery. In addition, this industrially relevant research program is expected to provide an exceptional interdisciplinary training environment for highly qualified, creative scientists with training in chemical synthesis and polymer science who will be eminently employable in Canadian bioscience and fine chemicals sectors.