Design and Synthesis of New Heteroleptic Lanthanide Complexes as Catalysts for Ring-Opening Polymerization of Naturally Renewable Unsaturated Gamma Lactones into Cross-Linkable Biodegradable Polyester
Abstract
Research Objectives and Impacts: This research project focuses on the design and synthesis of new heteroleptic lanthanide complexes to catalyze ring-opening polymerization of cross-linkable gamma lactone monomers to exclusively obtain unsaturated polyesters. Such resulting unsaturated polyesters are of scientific and technological interest for producing tailor-made functionalized biodegradable polyester materials through cross-linking. The synthetic pathway to cross-linked polyesters will involve two steps: Firstly, ring-opening polymerization of unsaturated gamma lactones using new lanthanide metal-based catalytic system to obtain unsaturated cross-linkable polyesters with no detectable vinyl addition. Secondly, vinyl addition via free-radical cross-linking will be employed to obtain cross-linked biodegradable polyesters. The project aims to investigate appropriate ring-opening polymerization (ROP) reaction conditions that will lead to exclusive formation of unsaturated polyester without any detectable vinyl addition and to develop a general methodology of free-radical cross-linking biodegradable unsaturated polyesters using 2,2′-Azobisisobutyronitrile (AIBN) and low dose gamma radiation at Oak Ridge National Laboratory. There is no literature precedence that has successfully carried out homopolymerization of gamma lactones to exclusively form unsaturated cross-linkable polyesters. The success of this project will provide knowledge and understanding to the methodology of ROP of cross-linkable lactones in promoting the development of new cross-linked biodegradable shape memory materials (smart materials), which is of great interest to Army Research Office and Office of Naval Research. Educational Objectives and Impacts: This project also aims to mentor and prepare three undergraduate students to be able to contribute to advancing the frontiers of innovative research and education in order to meet United States STEM workforce demands, which is an area of national need. This will be done by promoting activities that will enhance academic success of undergraduate research assistants towards completion of baccalaureate degree in chemistry and be prepared to be admitted into Ph.D. programs in STEM at top-tier institutions or enter STEM workforce. Such activities include mentoring in research, tutoring, participation in departmental seminars, career workshops, conference presentations, and community outreach. Other broader impacts outcomes include: to enhance scientific knowledge through the publication of at least two articles in peer-reviewed journals (Polymer Journal and Macromolecules) and dissemination of research findings at regional and national professional meetings/conferences (Emerging Researchers National Conference in STEM in Washington DC and Southeastern Regional Meeting of American Chemical Society), to broaden participation of underrepresented minorities in STEM since Savannah State University is the oldest public historically black university in the State of Georgia with over 90% of SSU students being African Americans, and to provide resources that allow the principal investigator to build a strong research infrastructure and become a successful independent investigator capable of competing for more externally funded research grants and sustaining a productive research laboratory at Savannah State University. Funding this basic research project at Savannah State University will allow more Reserve Officers Training Corps (NROTC and AROTC) to perform undergraduate research in materials chemistry as part of their senior research projects.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Feb 12, 2016
- Source ID
- W911NF1510453
Entities
People
- Pascal Binda
Organizations
- Army Contracting Command
- Office of the Secretary of Defense
- Savannah State University