Molecular Sciences

 

Molecular Sciences is the design and development of new routes for the chemical transformation of small molecules, resins and polymers, as well as the design and production of particles and hybrid structures. This includes the capability to control the composition, architecture, stereochemistry, functionality and the form in which macromolecular systems are prepared or delivered.

In AkzoNobel, the focus is on:

• Synthesis: organic, inorganic and organo-metallic chemistry, producing small molecules which may be intermediates or final chemical products;
• Particle Science: particles with defined particle size and morphology (produced by methods such as crystallization and precipitation), as well as the functionalization of particle surfaces to impart particular properties;
• The Resins Excellence Network: supports the development and optimization of existing resins and latexes, enables strategic innovative work on new resin platforms and supports work for process scale up and in-house manufacturing;
• Polymer and Macromolecular chemistry:
  • the modification of the structures and physical properties of synthetic and naturally occurring macromolecules via chemical and/or bio-chemical functionalization;
  • synthetic approaches to produce controlled architectures;
  • efficient cross-linking and curing.

It embraces the principles and practices of sustainable synthesis which seek to maximize the eco- and atom-efficiency of chemical transformation processes that:

• minimize the use of raw materials, particularly those which are finite and not renewable;
• maximize the selectivity and yields of chemical reactions; and
• minimize the production of waste products.

Are you interested in this area of science? If so, contact the Molecular Sciences ECG leader Coert van Lare by e-mail.