Biological macromolecules are some of the most fundamental examples of polymers with controlled sequences. Harnessing these abilities based on biological macromolecules will provide insight into potential synthesis of controlled sequence polymers in chemistry. In the upcoming experiment, block copolymers were synthesized through RAFT polymerization to potentially synthesize polymers with varying architectures and characteristics. The experiment consisted of hydroxyethyl acrylate with 2 chain agents, AIBN and PAETC, to create a polymer backbone. The polymer backbone was extended with polyvinyl ketone, followed by ethyl acrylate. The polymer backbone extension implemented the use of the initiator BAPO to assist with the polymerization. To understand the differences in selectivity, the polymer backbone was synthesized again, but with the ethyl acrylate then the polyvinyl ketone. The results of the experiment conducted determined the extension from the polymer backbone was successful. When the polymer backbone was analyzed at 100 Degrees of Polymerization, 200 Degrees of Polymerization, and 400 Degrees of Polymerization, it is notable that the molecular weight of the compound increased as the extension polymers were added. Each of the different degrees of polymerization were conducted when there were 50 units of polyvinyl ketone and 100 units of ethyl acrylate. Although the experiment was successful, these results pose the future question of if these polymers can undergo UV light degradation. This experiment is very pertinent for providing research for my intended career because of my hopes to attend graduate school. In graduate school, I hope to do research in chemistry and the current research in polymer chemistry will provide insight to future research questions.
Author: Camryn Payne, Chemistry Major
Advisor: Dominik Konkolewicz, Chemistry and Biochemistry
Graduate Advisor: Tochukwu Nwoko, Chemistry and Biochemistry
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