• Simplifying Entangled Polymer Synthesis

Chromatography

Simplifying Entangled Polymer Synthesis

Feb 16 2012

University of Houston, USA, researchers have recently developed and verified a new route for synthesising superior forms of entangled or knotted polymers with predesigned characteristics for use in applications such as drug delivery and smart coatings. Using a Viscotek 270max triple detector gel permeation chromatography (GPC) system from Malvern Instruments, the Houston team successfully confirmed the innovative synthesis of interlocking polymer rings (catenanes) by atom transfer radical polymerisation (ATRP) from templated initiators. By combining refractive index (RI), viscosity and light scattering detection, the 270max provides reliable molecular weight data and easy detection of the degree of synthesis throughout the method development, as well as verifying the character of final polymers imaged using atomic force microscopy (AFM). “The Viscotek 270max is critical to verifying this new method
of polymerisation,” explained Professor Rigoberto Advincula, Department of Chemistry, University of Houston. “These are high molecular weight polymers and ring closure is a thermodynamically difficult reaction that must be done under dilute conditions.

Using the triple detection offered by 270max, we were able to effectively characterise the molecular weight of our sample and detect the degree of ring closure versus the amount of non-closed polymer.” The University of Houston’s initial success implies that it will be possible to synthesise superior knotted polymers for applications in coatings, lubricants and surface modifiers, among others. In terms of polymer theory, Professor Advincula’s team also plans to make catenated and knotted block co-polymers. The project has been funded by the National Science Foundation (USA). A paper outlining the new method is being published in Chemical Communication from the Royal Society of Chemistry and is now available online. The Viscotek 270max from Malvern Instruments is a complete, advanced multidetector GPC/SEC system suitable for all macromolecular applications, particularly research.


Digital Edition

MAC Guide 2023/24

December 2023

Buyers Guide - Major producers of analytical equipment who wish to introduce and sell their products to buyers in science and industry - Over 1,000 products and services that these companys man...

View all digital editions

Events

Instrumentation Live

Jan 17 2024 Birmingham, UK

Smart Factory Expo 2023

Jan 24 2024 Tokyo, Japan

Arab Health

Jan 29 2024 Dubai, UAE

Nano Tech 2024

Jan 31 2024 Tokyo, Japan

SLAS 2024

Feb 03 2024 Boston, MA, USA

View all events