Project

Crosslinking of sequence-defined macromolecules: influence of molecular parameters on the macroscopic characteristics of model networks.

Code
11PJ624N
Duration
01 November 2023 → 31 October 2027
Funding
Research Foundation - Flanders (FWO)
Research disciplines
  • Natural sciences
    • Synthesis of materials
    • Organic chemical synthesis
Keywords
Sequence-defined macromolecules Model networks Flow chemistry
 
Project description

As a result of the inherent statistical nature of the polymerisation process, a strict control over the molecular composition and final properties of polymer networks could not be reached until now. This is where the field of ‘sequence-defined polymers’, a discipline targeting the synthesis and application of macromolecules with a discrete molecular mass and perfectly controlled microstructure, can make a difference. After developing a flow chemistry protocol to upscale such uniform macromonomers, incorporating them inside polymeric networks has indeed the potential to yield novel fundamental insights into the impact of various molecular parameters such as rigidity, tacticity and exact length on the thermal properties, mechanical characteristics, and network defects of the resulting cross-linked materials. Through an established collaboration with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (Prof. J. Johnson), the findings will be integrated within theoretical models, in order to advance the state-of-the-art network theories and narrow the discrepancy between experimental and theoretical values. Ultimately, the sequence-defined structures will be combined with covalent adaptable networks, with the intention of utilising the obtained insights to optimize the design parameters governing the viscoelastic properties of the resulting dynamic and recyclable thermoset materials.