Polymer Chemistry

 

Polymer Chemistry is the development of proprietary polymers and know-how through detailed mechanistic understanding, design, synthesis and scale-up of macromolecular systems (monomers, oligomers and polymers). This includes the capability to control the composition, architecture, stereochemistry, functionality and the form in which the macromolecular system is prepared or delivered (such systems being bulk solids, solutions and dispersions).

It also includes (a) the design and making of functional monomers and their assembly into macromolecular structures by a variety of polymerization methods and (b) the modification of the structures and physical properties of synthetic and naturally occurring polymers via chemical and/or bio-chemical functionalization.

In AkzoNobel, the focus is on:

• the design and synthesis of monomers, oligomers and polymers from synthetic and renewable feedstocks
• the development of clean polymerization methods (including addition & condensation polymerization);
• polymerization processes (bulk, suspension, emulsion);
• synthetic approaches to produce block, graft, dendrimer and other controlled architectures;
• efficient cross-linking and curing;
• modification and functionalization of polymers;
• polymer blends and interpenetrating networks

Are you interested in this area of science? If so, contact the Polymer Chemistry ECG leader Rama Chandran via e-mail.