RSA CE&C 2015-2021 Group descriptions

90 heterogeneous polymerization systems with a focus on smart liquid crystalline particles and polymerizable surfactants. This will be expanded to sustainable polymerization processes and dynamic polymer particles. Major accomplishments in the evaluation period Research quality and scientific relevance The most important developments in the different research areas of the group are summarized below. 1. Mechanochemistry In the recent period, this topic has flourished with several high-impact papers on mechanoluminescence as a tool to study the failure of polymeric materials. In addition, new and highly effective mechanofluorescent probes have been developed and the group has started to investigate such probes with industrial support for the study of interfacial bonding in composite materials. 2. Biomimetic materials In the reporting period, a breakthrough has been achieved through the preparation of fully synthetic, self-assembled hydrogels with strain-stiffening properties. Recent developments are focused on applying these gels as synthetic extracellular matrices for stem cell growth and differentiation, with exciting results as support for the spheroid formation of liver cells. 3. Nanostructured responsive materials Nanoporous films have been developed that selectively bind small molecules and ions. Recently, in collaboration with the groups of Schenning (SFD) and Nijmeijer (MMP), nanoporous filtration membranes have been produced with a low MW cutoff, with great potential for applications in water purification. 4. Dynamic polymer materials This research topic was initiated in the reporting period in collaboration with SABIC, with the first paper appearing in 2017 and first PhD defense in December 2017. This initial work has laid the basis for further successful grant applications (and consequently research projects) on the development of new materials for 3D printing (Impuls and NWO-TA), polymer recycling (ERC) and, very recently, reversible adhesion (DPI). Many of these projects are in collaboration with the Polymer Technology group in Mechanical Engineering. 5. Polymer reaction engineering The use of reactive oligomeric surfactants based on an industrially viable technology was studied in emulsion polymerization and was shown to be promising in the control of both the process and product properties. In a collaboration with the group of Schenning (SFD), responsive polymer colloids with controlled morphologies were synthesized from liquid crystal monomers using heterogeneous polymerization techniques.