Recently,
pioneering work by Decker and coworkers explored a novel class
of acrylic monomers found to have exceptional properties with
respect to high polymerization rates, resistance to oxygen
inhibition, and improved mechanical properties. These monomers
were acrylic monomers substituted with secondary functional
groups that dramatically improved their reactivity. Though
chain transfer reactions are typically sighted as an explanation
for the improved reactivity, little quantitative information
is available to provide a detailed understanding of why these
monomers are as reactive as they are or why they have such
exceptional mechanical properties. Few studies have been performed
to examine the structure of these polymers or to vary systematically
the secondary substituents.
In
this work, we are determining the underlying phenomena that
lead to the dramatic improvements in properties of the novel
class of monomers. This information is being developed from
studies of synthesized model compounds and used to design
monomers with even further improvements in properties.
Project
Focus
Summary:
