Heterophase Polymerisation of Biobased Monomers for Sustainable Stereocontrolled Latexes
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Birmingham
Department Name: School of Chemistry
Abstract
New solutions in the sustainable polymer field are crucial to increase its industrial appeal and compete with the current fossil-based polymers. Our
main goal is to develop waterborne biobased polymers, following sustainability principles, that excel in performance and foster a circular economy.
We propose a multidisciplinary approach based on sustainable polymer chemistry and stereochemistry, materials science, and engineering of
colloidal systems.
In this project, we will use sustainable chemistry concepts to develop biobased polymer latexes through click-chemistry in aqueous dispersions.
These methods will increase the sustainability of synthesis, while also enabling specific stereochemistry to be maintained within the polymer. This
will enable combination of thermomechanical properties of stereocontrolled polymers with the processability of colloids. Sugar-derived isohexides
will be used as platform to prepare stereospecific building blocks for polymer latexes obtained by click-chemistry polymerisation in emulsion-based
systems. Thermomechanical properties of stereocontrolled polymers will be thoroughly characterised and tuned to be equal, or exceed, petrolbased
counterparts. To assess further processability advantages, polymer latexes with controlled stereochemistry will be addressed by 3D printing
methods.
SusStereoNano will provide, via the MSCA-PF program, a nurturing world-class environment for the fellow to follow on a successful career as
principal investigator. This will be achieved by developing relevant skills supporting this career path combined with unique training in sustainable
polymer chemistry, stereochemistry, and additive manufacturing provided by The University of Birmingham (UoB) and guided by a tailored
Personal Career Plan. The dissemination of results will target experts and the society through outreach activities. UoB has a track record in training
future leaders in polymer science aiming to establish new technologies worldwide.
main goal is to develop waterborne biobased polymers, following sustainability principles, that excel in performance and foster a circular economy.
We propose a multidisciplinary approach based on sustainable polymer chemistry and stereochemistry, materials science, and engineering of
colloidal systems.
In this project, we will use sustainable chemistry concepts to develop biobased polymer latexes through click-chemistry in aqueous dispersions.
These methods will increase the sustainability of synthesis, while also enabling specific stereochemistry to be maintained within the polymer. This
will enable combination of thermomechanical properties of stereocontrolled polymers with the processability of colloids. Sugar-derived isohexides
will be used as platform to prepare stereospecific building blocks for polymer latexes obtained by click-chemistry polymerisation in emulsion-based
systems. Thermomechanical properties of stereocontrolled polymers will be thoroughly characterised and tuned to be equal, or exceed, petrolbased
counterparts. To assess further processability advantages, polymer latexes with controlled stereochemistry will be addressed by 3D printing
methods.
SusStereoNano will provide, via the MSCA-PF program, a nurturing world-class environment for the fellow to follow on a successful career as
principal investigator. This will be achieved by developing relevant skills supporting this career path combined with unique training in sustainable
polymer chemistry, stereochemistry, and additive manufacturing provided by The University of Birmingham (UoB) and guided by a tailored
Personal Career Plan. The dissemination of results will target experts and the society through outreach activities. UoB has a track record in training
future leaders in polymer science aiming to establish new technologies worldwide.
Organisations
People |
ORCID iD |
| Andrew Dove (Principal Investigator) | |
| Thiago Ouriques Machado (Fellow) |
| Description | Outreach Activities - Moor Green Primary Academy - Plastics of the future: how can degradable polymers contribute to our environment and society? |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Local |
| Primary Audience | Schools |
| Results and Impact | The main goal was to make the audience (students aged 9+ to adults) more educated on the importance of plastics for the society, but also to present them strategies on how to make this consumption more environmentally friendly. This way, UOB researchers and the school representative engaged with the students through lectures and hands on activities from April to July 2023, such as the preparation of degradable plastics from natural sources, their degradation over time and the changes on their properties. In a transfer of knowledge, this project brought together the expertise of researchers (University of Birmingham) in areas such as degradable plastic production and their degradation with the programs that the school (Moor Green Primary Academy) was developing to tackle this issue. About 60 pupils, students in Year 5, both genders, from a range of socioeconomic and cultural backgrounds. participated in the project. The school have previously done work around challenging career and subject specialist stereotypes, by challenging preconceptions that students may have around scientists. Therefore, this contact with researchers raised children's aspirations of for their future academic and career prospects. Pupils demonstrated enthusiasm and eagerly participated in the activities by making questions, promptly answering when challenged with a quizz, and engaging in discussions with colleagues. By the end of the activities' period, students collated their findings, presented them in class, and discussed them with their colleagues. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |