RSA CE&C 2015-2021 Group descriptions

Molecular Systems and Materials Chemistry (MSMC) 89 SUPRAMOLECULAR POLYMER CHEMISTRY Program leader/section leader Prof.dr. R.P. (Rint) Sijbesma Scientific staff FTE Full professor Prof.dr. R.P. (Rint) Sijbesma 1 Associate professor Dr.ir. J.P.A. (Hans) Heuts ( since 04-2020 ) 1 Mission The Supramolecular Polymer Chemistry group at Eindhoven University of Technology develops molecular self-assembly tools to create smart, responsive polymeric materials. The study of mechanically-induced chemistry is one of our main activities. Also, as part of a coherent, interdisciplinary research program at TU/e, we contribute to the development and characterization of biocompatible synthetic materials that are mechanically indistinguishable from biological materials. Thirdly, we exploit photopolymerizable liquid crystalline materials to develop thin, responsive films and nanoporous membranes. Finally, we explore the chemistry of dynamic covalent polymer networks for 3D printing and other applications. Research themes 1. Mechanochemistry Research in this area currently focuses on two themes. In one theme, we aim to control the catalytic activity of latent transition metal complexes and organocatalysts through macroscopic mechanical forces. In particular, the mechanical activation of polymerization catalysts holds promise as a novel self-healing mechanism in polymeric materials. The second theme is concerned with mechanical control over optical phenomena. The use of strong and tunable mechanically-induced luminescence is being explored as a tool in the study of the mechanical failure of polymeric materials. 2. Biomimetic materials Through the combined approach of chemical synthesis and self-assembly, computational modeling and mechanical characterization, these new materials serve as a basis for a fundamental physical understanding of the remarkable mechanical behavior of biological materials. We focus on the design and synthesis of self-assembled hydrogels that show strain stiffening and on materials that can be used as injectable hydrogels for biomedical applications. 3. Nanostructured responsive materials We use photopolymerizable liquid crystalline materials with discotic phases to develop nanoporous membranes. Thin films with a high density of monodisperse pores of 1-10 nm in size are being developed for the selective filtration of ions and small molecules. 4. Dynamic polymer materials Introducing dynamic crosslinks results in polymer materials that are insoluble and dimensionally stable at operating temperatures but are able to flow upon the use of an external trigger (such as a temperature increase). We currently focus on developing new dynamic materials for applications in self-healing materials, additive manufacturing (e.g., stereolithography and selective laser sintering), the recycling of polymer materials and the modification of engineering plastics. 5. Polymer reaction engineering In comparison with other chemicals, polymer properties are more intimately linked with the production process and a better understanding of polymerization processes is essential to sustainable polymers and processes. We therefore recently reactivated research efforts in