Major:
Metallurgical and Materials Engineering
University:
The University of Texas at El Paso
Mentor(s):
Nicolas Treat
Faculty Sponsor(s):
Jetsuda Areephong
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.