Preparation of functionalized alternating polymers and their application as switchable and adaptive soft materials (A02)

• Subject Area: Preparatory and Physical Chemistry of Polymers
• Term: since 2021
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 433682494

Sequence control in synthetic polymers will be applied towards the design of responsive and adaptive soft materials. In the first funding period, we have developed practical methods for the preparation of alternating AB-type copolymers and ABC-type terpolymers through controlled radical polymerization. In the second funding period, we will focus on their application as switchable and adaptive soft materials, such as self-healing polymers, gels, and adhesives. Along with the alternating copolymers, we will investigate the corresponding block-copolymers and random copolymers and compare their material properties to elucidate the unique effect exerted by the sequence control of the polymers.

• DFG Programme: Collaborative Research Centres
• Subproject of: SFB 1459: Intelligent Matter – From responsive to adaptive nanosystems
• Applicant Institution: Universität Münster
• Project Head: Professor Dr. Armido Studer