Research
Current Projects
We use controlled radical polymerization (also known as living radical polymerization or reversible deactivation radical polymerization) to create precisely defined polymers for materials applications. We often utilize organic chemistry techniques to synthesize our monomers or polymer initiators, and in many cases we take advantage of high yield "click" reactions to introduce further functionality to our materials
Protein-Polymer Hybrids
Understanding protein function and structure is a fascinating part of modern biochemistry. With the development of controlled radical polymerization it has become possible to synthesize well defined protein-polymer hybrids.
These protein-polymer hybrids consist of a naturally occurring protein, covalently linked to one or more synthetic polymers. The advantages of the protein-polymer hybrid are that the polymer can stabilize the protein against environmental and biological stressors. Our group synthesizes protein-polymer hybrids and studies the effect of polymer structure and architecture on the stability and function on the protein.
Dynamic and Self-Healing Materials
Dynamic bonds are those that are able to associate, dissociate or exchange, either intrinsically or upon external stimulus. Dynamic bonds also can lead to materials with increased mechanical properties, toughness, energy dissipation mechanisms, etc. Networks with dynamic, or reversible bonds can form self-healing materials by reforming the bonds after they are initially ruptured by the external force. Self-healing polymer networks are materials which can be damaged through scratches, cuts or fractures and reform into a "healed" structure after the appropriate stimulus is applied.
Our group is examining the effects of different dynamic bonding units on the properties of the self-healing materials.
Photochemistry and Precision Polymer Synthesis
We are interested in using photochemistry to polymerize various monomers since this gives both control over WHERE and WHEN the polymerization is occurring. An additional benefit of photochemistry is that the photons provide all the energy needed to perform the reaction, allowing the reaction to be performed under relatively mild conditions. Our group is particularly interested in using photochemistry under relatively mild conditions such as using sunlight and organic chemistry principles to create tailor made polymers for various applications.
