This project is to develop and expand a newly-discovered method for the synthesis of an advanced class of nitrogen-phosphorus polymers known as polyphosphazenes. The new approach involves a "living" cationic condensation polymerization of phosphoranimine monomers at room temperature to give polymers with controlled molecular weights, narrow molecular weight distributions, and the capacity to form block copolymers with organic macromolecules. The program will emphasize copolymer formation, star-branched and dendritic polymer synthesis, and the growth of polyphosphazene chains from organic polymer surfaces. %%% This work is in the area of new polymers that should be useful as non-flammable textiles and building materials, or as components in aerospace and automotive engineering. In addition, applications are possible for these polymers in advanced solid state batteries and in biomedicine.
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