This three-year award in support of U.S.-France collaborative research in polymer materials involves Rudolf Faust of the University of Massachusetts and Jean-Pierre Vairon of the Universite Pierre et Marie Curie. The objective of the research is to determine the kinetic and thermodynamic parameters of polymers via cationic routes. The US investigator brings to this collaboration expertise on the engineering of polymers. This is complemented by the French investigator's expertise in the kinetics and mechanistic studies of polymers. The collaboration also takes advantage of a unique, custom designed stop-flow device with UV-vis detection for fast reactions at the Universite Pierre et Marie Curie. The research will advance understanding of polymer structures and the elementary steps in polymerization. This knowledge is essential for synthesis of tailor-made polymers. Designer polymers have medical applications and can be used in drug delivery systems.
