RUI : Investigation into dynamic-covalent linkages through the use of Diels-Alder chemistry and controlled radical polymerization techniques

合成聚合物（塑料）广泛应用于我们的日常生活中。聚合物的性质是由它们的化学结构决定的，可以根据不同的应用进行定制。在这个研究项目中，位于圣路易斯奥比斯波的加州州立理工大学的Costanzo教授开发了合成方法来制备具有可随温度可逆改变性能的新型聚合物。这种聚合物链的化学结构可以在一种温度下分开，在另一种温度下又重新合上。让本科生参与基础研究的机会有助于塑造和培养下一代科学家。此外，拓展项目有助于将本科生的研究和教学结合起来。这些教育项目为K-12教师和本科生提供了专业发展的机会，让他们参与到中小学探究式教学模块的开发中来。大分子、超分子和纳米化学项目支持Costanzo教授的研究小组研究如何将动态共价键结合到聚合物系统中，以实现聚合物拓扑结构的可切换性和赋予热响应特性。该项目的具体目标是：1)合成新的Diels-Alder化学成分，包括fulvenes和diyano烯烃；2)开发聚合策略，以精确放置新的Diels-Alder键在聚合物基质中，以研究解离和重组过程；3)演示使用可互换的Diels-Alder键来反转聚合物结构的组成成分。

Synthetic polymers (plastics) are widely used in our daily life. The properties of polymers are governed by their chemical structures and can be tailored for different applications. In this research project, Professor Costanzo of California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, develops synthetic approaches to prepare novel polymers with properties that can be changed reversibly with temperature. The polymer strands are designed to have chemical structures that can be pulled apart at one temperature and snapped back together at a different temperature. The opportunity to engage undergraduates in fundamental research helps shape and create the next generation of scientists. Additionally, outreach programs help intertwine undergraduate research and teaching. These educational programs provide opportunities for professional development for K-12 teachers and for undergraduate students to be involved in the development of inquiry-based teaching modules for elementary and middle school students.The Macromolecular, Supramolecular and Nanochemistry Program supports the research group of Prof. Costanzo to investigate how dynamic-covalent linkages can be incorporated into polymer systems to enable switchability in polymer topology and bestow thermal responsive properties. The specific objectives of this project are: 1) to synthesize new Diels-Alder chemistry components, including fulvenes and dicyanoalkenes; 2) to develop polymerization strategies for precise placement of the new Diels-Alder linkages within polymer matrices for investigating the dissociation and reassembly processes; and 3) to demonstrate the use of interchangeable Diels-Alder linkages to invert compositional components of polymeric structures.