Abstract Narrative Description: This project supports the collaboration of Dr. James E. Mark, Director of Polymer Research Center, University of Cincinnati and Drs. Burak Erman and Ivet Bahar of the Polymer Research Center, Bogazici University, Istanbul, Turkey. The research is to study polymer chains of short length arranged in networks under very high levels of deforming forces. Observations of particular interest will be to determine the segmental orientation, preferential orientation and the rotational changes of the polymers, particularly the crystallization of materials under large strain loads causing rupture. This study is intended to develop a molecular understanding of the ultimate properties of elastic materials, and the use of such information in the design of better high-performance materials. Scope: This proposal is a real opportunity for the two Turkish co-principal investigators to begin to establish an active research group working in polymers at Bogazici University. Such a research group is a needed addition to the University, which is experiencing a growth in the number of highly capable undergraduate students. These students are selected from the top 1% of the 500,000 high school students examined annually in nationwide central examination. Bogazici University is modeled on the U.S. university system and conducts its courses in English, which makes is popular with those students hoping to take higher degrees outside of Turkey. There is a growing interest in polymers in Turkey spurred by a rapid growth in Turkish production of polymeric systems. This proposal fulfills an objective of the Science and Developing Countries Program through the exchange and transfer of scientific knowledge.
