ABSTRACT

The control over the homopolymerization of Multi-vinyl Monomers (MVMs) has long been considered as an impossible task, since the Flory-Stockmayer (F-S) mean field theory predicted that the polymerization of MVMs only leads to insoluble cross-linked materials even at low conversion. Indeed, the inclusion of only small amounts of MVMs, if carried out in addition to polymerizations e.g. free radical polymerization (FRP), will result in the formation of a macroscopic cross-linked network of MVMs. However, we have demonstrated that a deactivation enhanced atom transfer radical polymerization (DE-ATRP) strategy can efficiently delay the gel point of the MVM homopolymerization by up to 60% monomer conversion in a concentrated polymerization system. By this approach, a novel 3D ‘single cyclized’ architecture was formed attributable to the suppressed intermolecular reactions. This discovery prompted us to develop a new model which gives a significant supplementation to the classical F-S theory based on the space and instantaneous growth boundary concept. Most importantly, this study subverted the traditional impression of MVMs reactions - “uncontrolled and challenging”. Doors have now been opened for the design and manipulation of various polymer architectures from the homopolymerization of MVMs.

 

ABOUT THE PRESENTER

Dr Wenxin Wang is a Principal Investigator at the Network of Excellence for Functional Biomaterials at NUI Galway. Dr Wang is Stokes Lecturer in Biomedical Engineering (Fuctional Materials). He is also the holder of a Science Foundation Ireland (SFI) Principal Investigator award since 2011. Dr Wang won the SFI prize in Regenerative Medicine in recognition of his outstanding achievements in the tissue engineering and regenerative medicine field. This prestigious prize was awarded to him at the Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine International Society (TERMIS)-EU meeting in 2010. He is the expert panel member on the Scientific Review Board: Scientific Research Foundation – Flanders (FWO) Commission Bio4, Belgium; international reviewer on the IUPAC Polymer Division Transnational Pilot Call; expert reviewer in the Regenerative Medicine, Gene Therapy, Innovative Therapeutic Approaches and Interventions research field for EU-FP7; expert reviewer and panel member for The Romanian National Council for Development and Innovation and expert reviewer in the Bioengineering, Biotechnology and Biochemistry Call for The Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT). Dr Wang is one of the founders and currently the Director of Vornia Limited, an innovative biomaterials company which designs, develops and fabricates customised biomaterial solutions for medical device manufacturers and providers. He has published 84 peer-reviewed papers, 9 patents and 72 presentations at national and international conferences.

 

REFRESHMENTS WILL BE PROVIDED AT 11h45

 

For further information, please contact:

Professor Noel O’Dowd, Tel. No: (061) 202545 or Email: noel.odowd@ul.ie