Exploration of vinylcyclopropane-amides as fast polymerizable, low volume shrinking H-bonded preordered monomers: Comprehensive studies regarding synthesis, characterization and modularly combined polymer networks

• Applicant: Professorin Dr. Seema Agarwal
• Subject Area: Preparatory and Physical Chemistry of Polymers
• Term: from 2018 to 2022
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 416009646

The proposal aims at comprehensive understanding of synthesis, properties and ring-opening polymerization (ROP) behaviour of vinylcyclopropane (VCP-amides), a promising subclass of VCP derivatives and structural and physical properties of poly (VCP-amides). The combination of properties ranging from fast polymerization, complete monomer conversion, low-to-no volume shrinkage, easy modulation in properties, multi-functionality, stability, low viscosity, easy synthesis required in liquid photo cross-linkable monomers (one-type of (photo)resists) for precise structuring, make the research for new such all-in-one photoresins meaningful and required. The main challenge in searching for new systems lies in obtaining a combination of low volume shrinkage with high monomer reactivity and complete monomer conversion during polymerization and easily tuneable mechanical properties. Inspired by our previous findings, we propose to study a new sub-class of VCP-derivatives, mono- and bifunctional vinyl cyclopropane amides (VCP-amides) in which the ring-opening during polymerization will provide low volume shrinkage while preorganization of the monomers by H-bonding via amide units should bring the reactive polymerizable vinyl groups for propagation reaction in the close proximity, thereby enhanced rate of polymerization. Further, the spacer group in bifunctional VCP-amides and the substituents at the amide bond in mono-functional VCP-amides would control monomer and polymer properties and can be easily modulated. We aim to provide basic studies related to the synthesis of VCP-amides (both monofunctional and bifunctional), structural characterization and pre-organization via H-bonding, photo-polymerization (homo-and co-polymerization in bulk and solvents), properties evaluation of polymers and preliminary experiments for precise structuring by 3D printing of this new sub-class of VCPs.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants