“A Broadly Applicable Cross-linker for Aliphatic Polymers containing C–H Bonds”
Science, 366(6467): 875-878, 15 November 2019
SCI 337
Cross-linking a range of alkyl polymers: some alkyl polymers, such as polyethylene, can be cross-linked by using peroxides or high-energy radiation or through the addition of a radical forming agent. Others, like polypropylene, are likely to undergo chain scission, and this process tends to be uncontrolled in the distribution of the cross-links. Lepage et al. developed a widely applicable approach using bis-diazirine molecules as cross-linking agents (see the Perspective by de Zwart et al.). These molecules can be thermally or photochemically activated to form carbenes that readily insert into the polymer carbon-hydrogen bonds, thus leading to cross-linking. The bis-diazirine is nonexplosive, nonvolatile, and easily activated at relatively mild temperatures and thus could be used to fine-tune the properties of existing polymers through small chemical modifications.
Description Source: Science. Published 2019 (6467).
Authors
Abbas S. Milani is a professor of Mechanical Engineering at the University of British Columbia (Okanagan). He is also the principal investigator of the Okanagan Node of the Composites Research Network (CRN), Advanced Materials and Fabrication Core Competency lead of UBC’s Survive and Thrive Applied Research (STAR) program, and director of the recently established Materials and Manufacturing Research Institute at UBC.
Mathieu L. Lepage is a postdoctoral fellow and research assistant in the Department of Chemistry at the University of Victoria.
Chakravarthi Simhadri is a postdoctoral fellow and research assistant in the Department of Chemistry at the University of Victoria.
Chang Liu is a postdoctoral fellow and research assistant in the Department of Chemistry at the University of Victoria.
Mahdi Takaffoli is a research engineer at the Materials and Manufacturing Research Institute at the University of British Columbia (Okanagan). He completed post-doc research at MIT, taught at the Department of Mechanical Engineering at UBC’s Vancouver campus, and has also worked in the automotive industry.
Liting Bi is a graduate student in the Department of Chemistry at the University of Victoria.
Bryn Crawford is a research engineer at the Materials and Manufacturing Research Institute, and a PhD candidate of Mechanical Engineering at the University of British Columbia (Okanagan). Since starting his engineering career in Australia, he has gained experience in the steel, oil and gas, composites manufacturing and high technology industries.
Jeremy E. Wulff is a professor in the Department of Chemistry at the University of Victoria.
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ISSN: 10959203
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