The innovation engine for new materials

Katherine Ramos

2013 PREM Intern

University: 

The University of Texas at El Paso

Major: 

Metallurgical and Materials Engineering

Mentor(s): 

Nicolas Treat
Jetsuda Areephong

Faculty Sponsor(s): 

Craig J. Hawker

Faculty Sponsor's Department(s): 

Materials

Project Title: 

NEW MEDIATOR FOR CONTROLLED RADICAL POLYMERIZATION

Project Description: 

Controlled radical polymerization (CRP) methods have recently revolutionized the field of polymer chemistry. Nitroxide mediated polymerization (NMP) is among the most simple and elegant of the controlled radical polymerizations, utilizing a stable nitroxide radical that reversibly caps the growing chain end. A number of other persistent radicals have also been employed as mediating species, but as yet have not been shown to work as well as nitroxides. In this presentation we will detail the development of a new class of organic mediator for radical polymerization that rivals nitroxides in their ability to control molecular weight and molecular weight distribution.