Please join the Department of Chemistry and the Center for Sustainable Energy at Notre Dame (ND Energy) for the upcoming seminar by Dr. Krzysztof (Kris) Matyjaszewski, J.C. Warner Professor of Natural Sciences, Carnegie Mellon University. Open to all ND faculty and students.
Abstract:
Many advanced nanostructured functional materials were recently designed and prepared by controlled/living radical polymerization (CRP). More than 100 million tons of polymers are produced annually world-wide by conventional radical polymerization. However, macromolecular engineering is impossible in this process. Copper-based ATRP (atom transfer radical polymerization) catalytic systems with polydentate nitrogen ligands are among most efficient controlled/living radical polymerization systems. Recently, by applying new initiating/catalytic systems, Cu level in ATRP was reduced to a few ppm. ATRP of acrylates, methacrylates, styrenes, acrylamides, acrylonitrile and other vinyl monomers was employed for macromolecular engineering of polymers with precisely controlled molecular weights, low dispersities, designed shape, composition and functionality. Examples of block, graft, star, hyperbranched, gradient and periodic copolymers, molecular brushes and various hybrid materials and bioconjugates prepared with high precision will be presented. These polymers can be used as components of various advanced materials such as health and beauty products, bio-medical and electronic materials, coatings, elastomers, adhesives, surfactants, dispersants, lubricants, additives, or sealants. Special emphasis will be on nanostructured functional materials for application related to environment, energy and catalysis.