Polymer Chemistry Commons^™

Adsorption Of Pfas On Bridged Functionalized Organosilica Materials, Elisha Lawerh Kabutey

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

PFAS are hazardous contaminants that have a devastating impact on human health and the environment. Their hazardous nature has led to the development of various adsorption methods for removing these contaminants from water sources. In this study, functionalized organosilica materials were synthesized from bis[3-(trimethoxysilyl)propyl] amine using the sol-gel method. The surface amino groups of the organosilica were converted into amine hydrochloride groups. Their adsorption properties were evaluated using salts of perfluorooctanoic acid, perfluorooctanesulfonic acid, and perfluorobutanesulfonic acid. Results showed excellent adsorption capacity of the materials. Adsorption of PFAS leads to particle agglomeration and flotation of the spent material. A column …

Engineering Silicone Magnetic Fluids For Localized Radiation Attenuation During Ocular Melanoma Brachytherapy, Zachary L. Caprow

All Dissertations

Ocular melanoma is commonly treated using plaque brachytherapy; however, radiation-induced damage to healthy ocular tissues frequently results in partial or complete vision loss. This work investigates the development of an injectable, magnetically responsive silicone magnetic fluid designed to localize adjacent to the tumor and attenuate low-energy gamma radiation during treatment.

The material system consists of iron oxide nanoparticles surface-functionalized with a siloxane polymer, in which the nanoparticles provide magnetic responsiveness and radiation attenuation, while the polymer coating ensures colloidal stability, injectability, and biocompatibility. A one-pot synthetic approach was developed wherein a functionalized siloxane polymer containing iron-affinitive groups was reacted with …

Targeting Chemical Pollutants Through Assimilation Of Hydrophobic Deep Eutectic Solvents With Metal-Organic Frameworks, Carbon Nanotubes, And Activated Carbon, Tanner William Baughman

ONU Student Research Colloquium

Water contamination by heavy metals has a harmful human threat to the environment and to human health. This is derived from their bioaccumulation and toxicity characteristics. The study directly looks at the assimilated of lignin-derived hydrophobic deep eutectic solvents (HDES) with 3 different class of materials: Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs), Carbon Nanotubes (CNTs), and Activated Carbon (AC). Four different HDES mixtures were assimilated into these porous materials through impregnation. Composites were evaluated by characteristic peaks through Attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR). The morphology of the samples was assessed as well through scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The colloidal stability …

Monosaccharide Binding To Synthetic Carbohydrate Receptor Microarrays, Milan A. Shlain

Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects

Chapter 1: A glycan detection platform comprised of synthetic carbohydrate receptors (SCRs) immobilized onto polymer brushes was prepared. SCR043, an alkene-containing SCR, was incorporated into grafted-from polymer brushes using hypersurface photolithography, resulting in microarrays of SCR043-functionalized polymer brushes, where brush height (h) and SCR grafting density (Γ) is controlled precisely at each feature in the array. The influence of h and Γ on the binding to five fluorescently labelled monosaccharides – α-glucose (α-Gluc-FL), α-galactose (α-Gal-FL), α-mannose (α-Man-FL), β-glucose (β-Gluc-FL), and β-galactose (β-Gal-FL) – in aqueous buffer …

N-Aryl Phenoxazines As Polymer Supported Photocatalysts, Mary Kathryn Hall

Master's Theses

In photosynthesis, the energy of sunlight is perfectly harnessed to facilitate the production of small molecules that are essential for plant life on earth. Inspired by this model of energy efficiency and simplicity, this work seeks to mimic that ability to use the energy in visible light to perform new and more efficient chemistries. Just like in photosynthesis, photocatalysts can act as chromophores absorbing light to excite electrons opening new pathways for previously untapped reactivity. Recent research has provided a wide range of small molecule reactions that are made possible or easier by the use of a photocatalyst. However, these …

Complementary Design Of Optical And Photochemical Systems, Joshua Plank

Chemistry Theses and Dissertations

The ability to manipulate chemical systems has been prized through history as the bridge between the macroscopic and microscopic worlds. As an example, the camera obscura has arguably existed since the earliest days of humanity; however, it was the discovery of early silver halide chemistry that lead to the ability to fix these images into the earliest photographs. In modern photolithography employed in electronics manufacturing, the primary resolution limits arise not from the chemistry of the molecules involved, but from the limits of the systems used to project light. Thus, as much as photochemistry advances, optical imaging and projection techniques …

Bio-Based Composites With Enhanced Mechanical Strength And Flame Retardancy, Riya Patel

Electronic Theses & Dissertations

Composites are versatile and useful in many fields, including aerospace, automotive, construction, and healthcare, due to their high mechanical strength. It is common practice to synthesize these materials using petroleum-based chemicals. Nonetheless, in the twenty-first century, scientists are more interested in using renewable resources to create composites. The greatest substitute for petroleum-based chemicals is vegetable oil. It has unsaturated double bonds that are modifiable chemically. In the present study, bio-polyol was synthesized using castor oil, an inedible vegetable oil. A ring-opening process was used to modify it and produce castor oil-based polyol. The synthesized castor oil-based polyol was characterized by …

Trade-Off Between Limonene & Geraniol-Based Reprocessable And Non-Reprocessable Epoxy Thermosets: Role Of Aliphatic Diamines In Polymer Networks Design, Priyankkumar Kanubhai Patel

Electronic Theses & Dissertations

The growing demand for sustainable materials, driven by environmental concerns and the rapid depletion of fossil fuels, has garnered significant attention in the fabrication of bio-based epoxy thermosets as renewable alternatives to petroleum-derived thermosetting polymers. The present study focuses on the synthesis and characterization of epoxy prepolymer resins derived from limonene and geraniol via a two-step process, followed by the fabrication of thermally cross-linked flexible epoxy thermoset films using various traditional aliphatic diamine curing agents, namely 1,2-ethylenediamine (EDA), 1,4-butylenediamine (BDA), and 1,6-hexamethylenediamine (HDA). Additionally, the incorporation of cystamine, a disulfide-containing diamine, enabled the formation of a covalent adaptable network through …

Effects Of Structure Of Mepegn Polymers On Hydroxide Conductivity In Anhydrous Anionic Exchange Membranes, Athan M. Gregory

Honors Theses

Anhydrous hydroxide ion (OH-) conducting polymer electrolytes composed of a 1-methyl-pyrrolidinium (1mp) head group linked to various MePEGn (n = 3, 7, 12) backbones were prepared. We have examined the structure of these anion exchange membranes to observe how the structure of the electrolyte affects the observed ionic conductivity. The structural parameters investigated were polymer length, viscosity, fractional free volume (FFV), and volume fraction of PEG (Vf,PEG), and each polymer varied in these properties. Through a comparison of the conductivity and structural parameters in the MePEGn-based anion electrolytes, we have shown that each of these structural properties weakly affects the …

Modified N-Heterocyclic Carbene Catalysts For Polyurethane Synthesis, Charise D. Young

Pomona Senior Theses

Polyurethanes are widely used polymers synthesized from diisocyanate and diol molecules. They are ubiquitous polymeric materials with important industrial applications. Their increasing market value prompts the need for selective and efficient production which can be achieved through N-Heterocyclic carbene (NHC) catalysis. N-heterocyclic carbenes are heterocyclic molecules containing a carbene atom and at least one nitrogen adjacent to the carbene center. The nitrogen substituents on the adjacent nitrogen play an important role in influencing their steric and electronic properties and resultant reactivity.^1,2 There is a lack of a comprehensive understanding of the steric and electronic properties of NHCs and how …

Polybenzodiazine Aerogels: All-Nitrogen Analogues Of Polybenzoxazines - Synthesis, Characterization, And Their Application In Carbon Dioxide Capture, Vaibhav Edlabadkar

Doctoral Dissertations

"The rapidly risen concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere over recent years contributed to global warming and ocean acidification. Carbon capture is viewed as an essential tool from keeping atmospheric CO₂ levels from rising further. This thesis focuses on the development of new materials for high capacity and selective adsorption of CO₂. One such material was based on a newly synthesized tetrahydroquinazoline (THQ), which was designed as an all-nitrogen analogue of main-stream benzoxazine monomers. THQ solutions in DMF gelled at 100 °C via HCl-catalyzed ring opening polymerization to polybenzodiazine (PBDAZ) wet gels, which were dried in …

Characterization And Optimization Of Sand And Tung Oil-Based Resins For Binder-Jet 3d Printing, Daniel I. Ajiola

College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations

Binder-jet 3D printing as a transformative technology in additive manufacturing, offers the ability to fabricate complex structures with diverse materials. This thesis investigates the use of a sustainable tung oil-based resin to create composites, exploring the potential for an eco-friendly alternative to synthetic binders.

The aim of this research is to develop and characterize a bio-based resin formulation, using tung oil as the primary binder, for application in binder-jet 3D printing with sand as the reinforcement. The resin formulation was prepared by combining tung oil, n-butyl methacrylate, divinylbenzene, and di-tert-butyl peroxide in precise proportions, ensuring a balanced mixture that supports …

Investigation Of Polybenzoxazine Vitrimers Based On Dynamic Transesterification Exchange, Jaylen Davis

Dissertations

With the ever-increasing issue of plastic waste production, a greener approach to synthetic processes and increased sustainability in plastic materials is still a high demand. Thermosets, which find uses in applications such as coatings, adhesives, and aerospace composites account for 15% of global plastics production, are particularly problematic in this context, as covalent crosslinks within the material serve both as a source of high-performance stability during use and as a barrier to conventional recycling after use. Therefore, our efforts focus on the incorporation of dynamic transesterification exchange chemistry into polybenzoxazine thermosets, which allows these materials to undergo reprocessing. This investigation …

Composites Developed By The Reaction Of Elemental Sulfur With Biologically Derived Fats And Oils, Katelyn Tisdale

All Dissertations

Human civilization’s modern infrastructure relies mainly on cement and petrochemical products. However, the production of these building materials have harmful ecological effects such as green gas emissions, therefore intensifying the need to develop alternative, sustainable structural materials from renewably sourced or waste material precursors. The work presented herein investigates various biomass derived resources that serve as the olefin source for reaction with elemental sulfur, another abundant waste source, via inverse vulcanization to form high strength composites competitive with that of traditional building materials.

Chapter one reviews various techniques that have been developed and executed in an effort towards lignin valorization …

Recyclable Composites Prepared From Animal Coproducts And Industrial Waste Sulfur, Perla Y. Sauceda-Oloño

All Dissertations

Pursuing sustainable and environmentally friendly materials has become a significant objective in materials science, particularly flame retardants and construction materials. This dissertation explores the development and evaluation of novel composites and high sulfur-content materials (HSMs) as potential alternatives to conventional, environmentally harmful materials.

Chapter one reviews recent advancements in environmentally benign flame-retardant additives, highlighting the potential of bio-derived phenols, polysaccharide derivatives, and greener phosphorus sources. The review discusses how green additives can enhance the flame retardancy, thermal stability, and smoke suppression properties of various polymers while addressing the challenges and future directions in the field.

Chapter two investigates the production …

Synthesis Of Photocleavable Molecules For Neurological Applications, Nishal Madujith Egodawaththa Arachchilage Don

Theses and Dissertations

In recent biomedical research, the precise control of molecular dynamics through light activation has emerged as a powerful tool, particularly in the field of neurobiology. This approach involves the use of photocleavable cages or photoprotective groups (PPGs) that are chemically tethered to biologically active molecules such as neurotransmitters or calcium chelators. These cages remain inert until exposed to specific wavelengths of light, typically in the visible range, triggering the release of the active compound with high spatiotemporal precision.

For neurotransmitter systems, such as glutamate (Glu), which plays a critical role in synaptic transmission and memory formation, researchers have developed novel …

The Conservation Treatment And Technical Study Of Two Marisol Sculptures, Ruthie Rolfsmeyer

Art Conservation Master's Projects

ABCDEFG & Hi (1961-62) and Father Damien (1966-67) are both painted wooden sculptures created by Marisol during the height of her fame. Although Marisol is a well-known artist, whose fame has been rekindling since her death in 2016, there have been few technical studies of her works. Multimodal imaging and scientific analysis of these two sculptures provide insight into their structure and materials. Techniques include x-ray radiography, reflectance transformation imaging, x-ray fluorescence spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and pyrolysis-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Key findings include the identification of toolmarks, nitrocellulose, alkyd, and acrylic paints, and a genuine diamond and pearl in …

The Effects Of Free Volume And Processing On The Development Of Gas Separation Membranes, Jacob Schekman

Dissertations

Structure, thermal, mechanical, gas transport, and free volume properties of thiol-ene based systems are investigated and discussed. In the pursuit of generating low energy-cost polymer membranes for gas separation, it became apparent that UV-curing of thiol-ene materials presented several routes toward achieving this goal. Network structure plays a vital role in determining the gas transport properties of membrane materials. UV photopolymerization techniques provide a means to rapidly vitrify network morphologies which can be tuned depending on choice of monomer. Thiol-ene monomers offer a broad range of precursor materials from which to choose for the design of functional membrane materials.

Chapter …

Structure-Property Relationship Studies Of Electrically Conductive Metal-Organic Framework Materials, Shiyu Zhang

All Dissertations

Electrically conductive metal-organic frameworks (EC-MOFs) are among the most promising materials due to their tunable structures, properties, and diverse functions. However, the lack of comprehensive understanding of their structure-property relationship hinders the development of EC-MOFs. My dissertation focuses on the design, construction, and structure-property relationship studies of EC-MOFs.

Chapter 1 describes how MOFs' structural features and compositions affect the electronic properties and demonstrates conductive mechanisms and the corresponding design strategies to develop EC-MOFs.

Chapter 2 describes the synthesis, characterization, electronic and optical properties of four novel alkali-metal-based (Na, K, Rb, and Cs) 3D-MOFs with continuous tetrathiafulvalene tetracarboxylate (TTFTC) π-stacks, systematicly …

Studies Towards Mechanistic Understanding Of The Suzuki-Miyaura Catalyst-Transfer Polymerization, Mitchell Tyler Howell

Graduate Research Theses & Dissertations

Semiconducting organic conjugated polymers show major promise for the manufacturing of organic electronic and optoelectronic devices. Their utility comes from inherent conductivity, elasticity, processability and low weight paving the way towards novel materials and applications. The molecular weight, polydispersity, and precise incorporation of structural elements into the conjugated backbone are among the important parameters that affect a conjugated polymer’s mechanical and electrical properties. Therefore, precise control over such parameters provides a path for electronic materials with tunable properties tailored for a specific application. Recent success in this endeavor has been achieved with Suzuki-Miyaura Catalyst-Transfer Polymerization (SCTP) which is a transition …

Use Of Interlaboratory Studies For The Development Of Consensus-Based Criteria For The Elemental Analysis Of Electrical Tapes, Lacey M. Leatherland

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Tape evidence is often used in criminal cases involving violent crimes, kidnappings, improvised explosive devices (IEDs), and drug trafficking. This evidence can reveal potential links between suspects, items, or scenes. The forensic examination of electrical tape can provide investigative leads or offer support to alternative hypotheses evaluated in the courtroom. A conventional analytical scheme includes microscopic examination, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Scanning Electron Microscopy Energy Dispersive Spectrometry (SEM-EDS), and Pyrolysis Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (Py-GC/MS). Elemental analysis of electrical tapes is commonly achieved using SEM-EDS; however, recent scientific literature suggests that this analysis can evolve from using SEM-EDS to …

Optimization Of Transition-Metal Inclusive Carbon Aerogels For Electrochemical Energy Applications, Allen Dalton Davis

Electronic Theses & Dissertations

The ever-growing need for energy alongside rising concerns for climate change demands the development of renewable energy technologies. Hydrogen fuel cells are a promising technology that can serve to either supplement energy generation or act as a lone power source. Yet for these devices to be truly green, the hydrogen that serves as fuel must be procured from a renewable resource. Electrolytic water splitting is a process that allows for the dissociation of water into H₂ and O₂. For this process to be practical, the electrolyzer needs to demonstrate high efficiency and stability, as well as a …

Exploring Soybean Oil-Based Polyol And Effect Of Non-Halogenated Flame Retardants In Rigid Polyurethane Foam, Sahithi Kondaveeti

Electronic Theses & Dissertations

To address the increasing demand for sustainable biomaterials due to the depletion of fossil fuel resources and growing environmental concerns, a new type of biodegradable and environmentally friendly rigid polyurethane foam (RPUF) has been synthesized. These foams are derived from chemically modified soybean oil-based polyol obtained from soybean oil by epoxidation followed by a ring-opening reaction. Polyurethane foam is generally used in construction, furniture, and automobile industries but is highly flammable and releases toxic gases and smoke during combustion. In this study, a highly efficient synergistic effect halogen-free flame-retardant (FR) melamine salt, 2-carboxyethyl(phenyl)phosphinic acid melamine salt (CMA) was synthesized from …

Enhanced Mechanical Strength Of Soybean Oil-Based Non-Isocyanate Polyurethane Adhesive For Wood Application By Introducing Nanofillers, Vatsal Chaudhari

Electronic Theses & Dissertations

Polyurethane (PU) is a versatile material that finds extensive use in various industries including bedding, construction, automotive, and packaging. Historically, this particular polymer relied significantly on petrochemical resources, a practice that was considered to have negative environmental impacts. The conventional method for preparing PU involves the use of isocyanate, which is a disadvantage due to its negative impact on the environment and human health. The resolution of this problem entails identifying an appropriate substitute for petroleum-derived products that minimize their impact on both the environment and human health. The researchers earlier utilized soybean oil, for the formulation of PUs in …

Castor Oil Polyol-Based Adhesives With Additional Crosslinker For Improvement In Mechanical And Thermal Properties., Yash Desai

Electronic Theses & Dissertations

Polyurethanes (PU) have been promising polymeric materials with many applications, including adhesives. Projecting an estimated revenue from 42.8 billion $ in 2021 to 61.5 billion $ by 2026. However, a large number of PU adhesives are sourced from petroleum products. Therefore, to lower the dependence on non-renewable resources and provide sustainable and affordable alternatives. In this work will synthesize bio-based adhesives of polyurethane from modified castor oil-based polyol. Generally, polyurethane reaction depends on the properties of polyol and isocyanates. The most important aspect of these reactions is the OH number of the polyol, which is responsible for the crosslinking and …

High Temperature Materials From Bis-Ortho-Diynylarene (Boda)-Derived Resins And Perfluorocyclobutyl (Pfcb) Aryl Ether Polymers, Ernesto Isaac Borrego

Theses and Dissertations

This work expands the current understanding of materials chemistry and engineering capabilities of two synthetic platforms: 1.) bis-ortho-diynylarenes (BODA) and 2.) trifluorovinylaryl ethers (TFVE). Each platform possesses a unique chemistry which paradoxically enables the development of high-performance materials therefrom while simultaneously retaining exceptional melt and solution processability. Leveraging the apparent dichotomy in properties (performance/processability) obtainable from these two synthetics platforms, we have pursued and achieved a practical approach to high-temperature resistant materials with an immense potential for technology transfer and commercialization:

1.) BODA-derived resins (BDR) constitute a versatile platform of melt-processable resins capable of rapidly producing high performance …

Photocurable Ionized Vinylimidazole Liquid Salt For Antibacterial Application, Gina Park, Lisa Ahlberg, Robert Zdor

Celebration of Research and Creative Scholarship

There has been an increasing demand for antibacterial dental composite as it can prevent the biofilm formation and the adhesion of bacteria after the treatment causing the consequential cavities. Previous study explored the antibacterial activity of the heterogenous mixture of heterocyclic polymer and resin. It showed limitations as the mixture did not show antibacterial activity since the mixture could only contain a small amount of heterocyclic polymer within the resin due to its inconvenience of shaping and low miscibility. To overcome this limitation, this research focused on synthesizing heterocyclic antibacterial monomer liquid salt and curing it with UV light to …

Composite And Polymer Formulation Employing Sulfur And Bio-Olefin Feedstocks, Claudia V. Lopez

All Dissertations

Environmental sustainability represents a challenge for society since industrial growth has a direct impact on natural resources and waste production. New technologies that effectively incorporate waste into renewable resources are critical to the development of a sustainable and circular economy. The manufacturing of structural materials like Portland cement (OPC) is responsible for >8% of the global anthropogenic emissions of carbon dioxide, with ~ 1 kg of CO₂ released to the atmosphere for every kilogram of OPC produced. For instance, the development of sustainable structural materials is a key factor to reduce the greenhouse emissions and to attenuate the climate …

The Emergence Of Zerovalent Carbon Compounds From Structural Curiosities To Organocatalysts, Allegra L. Liberman-Martin

Biology, Chemistry, and Environmental Sciences Faculty Articles and Research

Low-valent main group compounds have reactivity patterns and properties reminiscent of transition metals. While divalent carbon compounds such as carbenes are widely studied ligands and organocatalysts, zerovalent carbon species have received considerably less attention. This perspective highlights the properties and reactivity of zerovalent carbon compounds, focusing on their first applications as organocatalysts for small molecule reduction and polymerization reactions.

Gold(I)-Hydroarylation In Polymer Modification – Alkynes And Alkenes With Unexpected Reactivity, Samuel B. Hunt

Dissertations

Polymer modification is crucial for developing new properties and materials from recalcitrant waste polymers. Synthetically, polymers possess a chemical inertness that renders their functionalization challenging. Specifically, the omnipresence of C–H bonds in all commercial polymers endows their chemical resistance. Thus, developments in C–H activation chemistry are crucial to polymer diversification processes and allow for fundamental insight into the role of material processing conditions on novel chemical reactions. Au(I)-chemistry has recently come to the fore owing to a unique chemical reactivity nonexistent with other transition metals. The alkynophilicity of Au(I), in tandem with their insensitivity to common polymer processing conditions (air, …