Design of Complex PISA Nano Objects via (PET)-RAFT DispersedSystems in Continuous Micro Flow Reactors. (R-7617)

Today, polymer materials are designed with almost unlimited variations in chain length, topology, composition and functionality. However, all these reactions are targeted in small batch reactors, thereby facing difficulties with regard to proper mixing and controlling exothermic reactions upon up-scaling. In this project, the aim is to synthesize stimuli responsive nano-objects leading to the controlled synthesis of well-defined polymeric nano-objects with respect to morphology and endgroup fidelity, via polymerization-induced self-assembly (PISA) dispersed systems in continuous micro-reactors. Initially, one specific system will be targeted for the implementation of PISA via reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT). Both thermal as well as light mediated (photo-induced electron transfer (PET-RAFT)) mechanisms will be examined in detail. Once control over the morphology and end-group fidelity has been realized, the focus will be shifted towards the use of stimuli-responsive monomers, after which encapsulation of biological species will be exploited. In a last step, the complete reaction from polymer to polymeric nano-objects will be performed as a one step process by coupling multiple flow reactors, after which up-scaling from gram to kilogram scale will take place. As such, this project has the potential to considerably facilitate an easy, fast and efficient way to design and up-scale complex polymer objects in the future for use in biomedical applications.

Keywords:nano-particles, PET-RAFT, PISA

Disciplines:Macromolecular and materials chemistry, Organic chemistry, Process engineering, Polymeric materials