University of Houston, USA, researchers
have recently developed and verified a new route for synthesizing superior
forms of entangled or knotted polymers with pre-designed 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
polymerization (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 polymerization," 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 characterize 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 synthesize
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 at:
http://bit.ly/C1CC13162A
The Viscotek 270max from Malvern Instruments is a complete, advanced,
multidetector GPC/SEC system suitable for all macromolecular applications,
particularly research. Further information can be found at:
www.malvern.com/viscotek
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