PD on polymeric materials using cyclic ketene acetals to induce reactive bonds

grave consequence of the widespread use of plastics, combined with their high chemical stability, is an increasing pollution of the environment. A key challenge in addressing this widespread pollution, is the development of novel materials that combine strength and stability, while having the possibility of being repaired when damaged and/or reused so that they not need to be discarded. One option to achieve this, is the use of dynamic chemical bonds, which are bonds that can be broken and reformed on demand. In this project we aim to use ester bonds embedded in polyvinyl polymers via CKA chemistry. Dynamic networks will be prepared that are reprocessable and degradable, but also single chain polymeric nanoparticles that become degradable in complex environments. The position, the chemical nature and reactivity of the dynamic bonds are points of interest to be explored. CKA monomer synthesis in large quantities is the potential bottleneck in this project, which is why this project has a strong synthetic organic chemistry component.

Supramolecular Chemistry and Catalysis and Supramolecular Polymer Chemistry group

The PD position will shared between the groups of Supramolecular Chemistry and Catalysis (Prof. A.R.A. Palmans) and that of Supramolecular Polymer Chemistry (Dr. H. Heuts) at the Department of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry. Both groups are part of the interdisciplinary Institute for Complex Molecular Systems (ICMS). Our aim is to explore the exciting opportunities that arise from the integration of polymer chemistry, supramolecular chemistry and organic chemistry. Using this integrated approach, we focus on developing smart polymeric materials combining both dynamic non-covalent and dynamic covalent bonds, thus providing an additional and distinctive advantage for the development of smart polymeric materials that can be easily reshaped, reused, and broken down to the constituting parts. Hereto, we combine organic and polymer synthesis with detailed molecular, morphological and property characterization. Both groups strive to provide fertile environments to broadly educate young people, and to inspire them to excel in their scientific research careers.