9617477 Rinaldi In this grant, two- and three-dimensional nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) triple techniques (together with isotropic labeling in some cases) are being used to study problems in polymer structure, polymer formation and degradation mechanisms, and polymer reactivity. Methods which have been used for years in structural biology are being adapted for application in polymer science and new methods are being developed which are uniquely suited for the study of polymers. These methods allow selective probing of the structure and transformations which occur in one small part of a large molecule without interference from the signals from the rest of the molecule. %%% These techniques are being used to study the structure of polymer block junctions, polymer chain ends and defects, and the mechanisms of various polymer reactions. A knowledge of these structures provides valuable insight into polymer formation and stability. The materials being studied are important for the manufacture of rubber products, plastics, semiconductors, and biomedical engineering materials. ***
