Special Seminar: Speakers from Prof. Stefan Mecking’s group at the University of Konstanz

Hosted by Prof. Karen Winey
Refreshments served beginning at 9:30am

Katharina J. Scherer and Katrin Wurs
"Recyclable and Degradable Polyethylene-like Polycondensates for Fibers and Other Applications"

Viola A. Burlein
"Towards Stable Double Gyroid Structures in Aliphatic-Ionic Multiblock Copolymers"

Abstracts

"Keto-polyethylene material from Pd(II)-catalyzed copolymerization with continuous carbon monoxide feed"

Thermoplastic materials have become an integral part of our everyday lives, with poly-ethylene being the predominant polymer. In contrast to polyethylene, polycondensates comprise polar in-chain functional groups addressing a major issue associated with the end-of-life of polyethylene, its chemical inertness. While being desired for long-term use,it limits the possibility of chemical recycling and biodegradability when exposed to the environment.

Commonly used polymers, including polycondensates, are mostly produced from non-renewable monomers derived from petroleum-based feedstocks. While to date often being the most cost-effective, these feedstocks are finite and their extraction is associated with significant greenhouse gas emissions and environmental pollution. In order to mitigate resource depletion and reduce environmental pollution, efforts have been made to utilize alternative raw materials as resources for polymer monomers. Difunctional monomers, which are required for various polycondensates, are accessible through bio-sourced long-chain fatty acids and upcycling waste materials such as polyethylene.

The herein presented materials exhibit high-density polyethylene-like mechanical prop-erties and solid-state structure, while being rendered chemically recyclable and biodegradable. As they were shown to be melt-processible, primarily their applicability as melt-spun fibers will be addressed.

"Towards Stable Double Gyroid Structures in Aliphatic-Ionic Multiblock Copolymers"

Polymer electrolytes represent promising efficient, environmentally-friendly materials for future energy devices. Therefore, gaining a deeper insight into the structure-property relationship of ion-conducting polymers and a development of these is crucial. The structure of these polymers enables them to self-assemble into microphases which can enhance ionic conductivity and material properties. Especially, the three-dimensional double gyroid (DGYR) morphology was proven to show enhanced material properties.

Different structures of aliphatic-ionic multiblock copolymers (AIMBCs) were studied by the Mecking and Winey group at various temperatures, to analyze and improve their material properties. In this presentation, I will introduce our new copolymers which show a stable DGYR at ambient temperatures and provide an overview of the synthesis route and further development of these materials.