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Polybenzoxazine, an advanced phenolic thermoset, results from the ring-opening polymerization of the strained heterocyclic six-membered oxazine moiety within the benzoxazine monomer obtained using fundamental raw materials like phenol derivatives, primary amines, and formaldehyde. The ensuing phenolic-OH and CH2-N(R)-CH2 bridges upon ring-opening significantly influence polymer chain orientation through robust inter- and intramolecular hydrogen bonding. This dictates the polybenzoxazine's properties, encompassing minimal shrinkage, low water absorption, high char yield, and superior mechanical strength. Exploiting these properties, a high-temperature stable thermosetting adhesive has been designed for firefighting suits, effectively shielding against radiant and conductive heat (Nilanjan Mukherjee). The research further tackles the non-reprocessability challenge of polybenzoxazine by integrating dynamic covalent chemistry, such as imine, disulfide, and Diels-Alder reactions, creating vitrimers suitable for self-healing adhesives and recyclable fiber-reinforced composites (Gaurav Rai and Priyanshi Goel). Additionally, the heteroatom-enriched polybenzoxazine network is explored for producing inherently doped carbon structures, with potential applications in energy storage, particularly supercapacitors and hydrogen storage, by incorporating active sites (Ingita Tiwari). Ongoing efforts involve optimizing physicochemical properties by increasing heteroatom percentages using multifunctional phenols and amines.
To unlock the advantageous potential of silica, researchers delved into the realm of silica functionalization. Its wide availability and low cost make it a suitable material for diverse applications. Silica functionalization is achieved through either co-condensation or post-modification. These modifications tailor the properties of silica for specific applications such as hydrogel reinforcement (Debjit Mal), elastomer reinforcement, shear thickening suspensions, catalysis, antimicrobial, and Pickering emulsion. The study of the Rheology of emulsions stabilized by functionalized silica particles helps in understanding the flow behavior and viscoelastic properties of the emulsions designed for specific applications (Premchand Nuthi). Shear thickening, a notable behavior in silica suspensions, results in a reversible non-Newtonian response. Boron-doped mesoporous silica particles synthesized via co-condensation with varied sizes, morphologies, and loadings, are used for making shear thickening fluids (Ehteshamul Islam). Rice husk ash, an environmentally friendly byproduct, is also used to make silica. It is further functionalized with nitrone and nitroxide functionalities. These surface functionalities are utilized to perform polymer grafting via "grafting from" and "grafting to" approaches. The functionalized silica samples are used as reinforcement in silica-elastomer compounds leading to improved curing time and mechanical properties. This research underscores the diverse applications and advancements in silica-based materials, highlighting their significance in various fields(Lukkumanul Hakkim N.).
Our research is focused on the PET-RAFT polymerization technique. Here, we design and synthesize functional polymers to be used in potential fields such as linear and non-linear optics and two-photon excitation (Kartik Gupta). In our ongoing research, we are developing exfoliated 2D nanomaterials featuring fluorescent molecules integration (Reshma K). This innovative approach has the potential to unlock nearly a hundredfold enhancement in electrical and optical properties compared to bulk materials. The exfoliated 2D nanomaterial boasts advantages over traditional counterparts due to its expansive surface area, diminished electron-hole recombination, reduced band gap, heightened conductivity, and enhanced adsorption properties. We explore fluorescence emission tuning by substituting cations in the interlayer space of exfoliated Montmorillonite and MoS2.
Polymer gels are crosslinked, three-dimensional networks of polymer chains. Due to their soft, porous architecture, these gels can undergo reversible swelling–deswelling and thus can absorb and retain large amounts of water or other solvents. Numerous morphologies of polymer gels have been explored in their micro/nanoparticles(microgel/nanogel) form or in their monolith form. Of such versatile nature, these gels have been applied for diverse applications like catalysis, biosensing, smart electronics, water disinfection, etc.
In the domain of water treatment, macroporous antimicrobial polymeric gels (MAPGs) functionalized with active quaternary ammonium cations have emerged as formidable tools in combatting microbial contamination. Their high water content and porous structure enable efficient water disinfection. This is particularly critical in settings where continuous water treatment is imperative, such as in remote or disaster-affected areas.
In addition, polymer gels play an important role in creating intelligent and adaptable systems. Their unique property of undergoing reversible changes in volume or shape in response to external stimuli like temperature, pH, or electric fields is harnessed to revolutionize functionality. These gels serve as responsive actuators, sensors, and even as integral components in flexible and stretchable circuits. Currently, we are exploring the responsiveness of hydrogels. (Amit Kumar)
Furthermore, polymer gels both as particles and in their monolith form i.e. hydrogel, have emerged as pivotal materials, significantly advancing chemical processes. Their three-dimensional network structure provides a stable environment for immobilizing catalytically active species, enhancing their longevity and reusability. Additionally, the high porosity of polymer gels facilitates the diffusion of reactants to active sites, leading to accelerated reactions. The tunable properties of these gels, such as pore size, surface area, and chemical composition, allow for precise control over catalytic activity. Adding to that these gels provide an extra advantage of recyclability. Thus, using polymer gels we are trying to design recyclable catalyst systems having enhanced catalytic efficiency.(Amit Kumar and Subhajit Bag)
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