Design, Synthesis, and Characterization of Macromolecular Materials

• Materials Focus: Polymers and biologically-derived or -inspired systems
• Grand Challenge: Design and control macromolecular organization to achieve novel functionalities
• Related CNMS planning workshop Research Focus Areas:
  • Synthetic and Bio-Inspired Macromolecular Materials
  • Virtual Synthesis and Nanomaterials Design
  • Nanophase Biomaterials Sciences
  • Nanoconfined and Nanostructured Fluids

• Custom synthesis of isotopically labeled compounds for neutron scattering studies
• Macromolecular synthetic capabilities for the design and synthesis of complex macromolecular architectures
• Characterization of macromolecular materials on surfaces, in solution and in the bulk
• Synthesis and characterization of polymer-carbon nanotube composites

  See INTERIM CNMS FACILITIES for more detailed descriptions of these capabilities

Research Program in 2004–2005

This research area addresses the grand challenge of designing and controlling the nanoscale organization of macromolecular materials in order to achieve novel functionalities. It will focus on both synthetic and naturally occurring macromolecules, as well as hybrid structures. Directed self-assembly strategies will be used to create hierarchical structures with targeted material properties and/or biological function. This area has strong need for a parallel theory and modeling effort focused on the design of new materials, providing insights into principles governing and relating structure, properties and function, and leading ultimately to theoretical understanding with predictive capabilities. (See descriptions of the Research Focus Areas above.)

A likely outcome of user-initiated research will be the development of synthetic techniques for the controlled synthesis of macromolecules by living anionic, cationic, and free radical techniques. For neutron scattering studies—a key tool in the characterization of these systems—isotopic labeling techniques will be needed to facilitate custom synthesis of deuterium-labeled polymers. Techniques and expertise will be developed to assist users in the characterization of novel macromolecular architectures in solution, on surfaces, and in the bulk by a variety of methods that include light scattering, small angle X-ray and neutron scattering, NMR, spectroscopic methods, electron microscopy (SEM and TEM), and AFM. The impact of nonlinear molecular architectures on the structure, properties, and function of block copolymers will require a focus on areas such as (a) structures based on poly(ethylene oxide), as a consequence of their biocompatibility; (b) macromolecules that can be used as templates for directed ordering of other materials, such as quantum dot or carbon nanotube arrays; and (c) tailored interfaces in which the lateral arrangement of polymer morphologies is controlled to achieve a desired property or function.