Preparation of Functional Materials
The objective of the following figure is to illustrate that the development of CRP has provided material scientists with the ability to start to envision what specific molecule prepared by controlled synthesis may provide them with the unique set of properties required to efficiently meet the requirements of a targeted application. One of the ongoing objectives of the Matyjaszewski group is to explore the scope of CRP for synthesis of novel materials and to collaborate with other groups arround the world to determine the unique properties of these custom synthesized materials.
The figure below seeks to answer the question posed in the heading. CRP provides a scientist with the ability to control the molecular weight, molecular weight distribution, composition, site specific functionality and topology of polymers in addition to forming hybrid materials incorporating natural, inorganic or synthetic mateials prepared by any other process into a final product.
Some of the steps taken by the group to explore the capabilities of ATRP to prepare novel materials are detailed in the following pages describing various aspects of materials synthesis.
Synthesis of Well Defined Macromolecules
- Well-defined (co)polymers
- Block copolymers
- Graft copolymers
Incorporation of Functional Groups into Polymers
Polymers with Specific Architectures
- Densely grafted linear copolymers
- Star copolymers
- Hyperbranched structures
- Networks/Gels
- Cyclic copolymers