Control of Polymer Molecular Weight Distributions

Professor: Brett Fors
Project Description:The distribution of molecular weights in a polymer sample has a profound influence on its physical properties. New strategies to control these properties will provide improved materials for applications in areas such as electronic materials, water filtration, and health. This project will focus on developing a new method to systematically control the shape and composition of a polymer’s molecular weight distribution and to further understand the influence of the distribution on physical properties. In this research program students will have the opportunity to work in a collaborative team and be exposed to polymer synthesis, organic/organometallic chemistry, and polymer characterization techniques.