9806418 Faust In addition to the control of molecular weights and their distributions, the ultimate goal of macromolecular engineering is to obtain a high degree of control over compositional as well as structural variables which affect the physical properties of macromolecules. Among these activities there has been growing interest on the design and construction of linear and non-linear block architectures, such as graft, comb, ring, star, or H-shaped polymers, that self-assemble into ordered nano-structures. Recent advances in living cationic polymerization coupled with methodologies developed using non-(homo)polymerizable monomers offer an unprecedented level of control over the molecular architecture of these materials. This project continues research funded by NSF DMR on the synthesis, characterization and physical properties of novel linear and non-linear block architectures using non-(homo)polymerizable monomers in living cationic polymerization. These activities will be augmented with continued kinetic and mechanistic studies with special emphasis on addressing the use of low molecular weight model systems in comparison to high molecular weight analogs. %%% The above novel materials will serve as model polymers to advance fundamental understanding in structure/property relationship of macromolecules through interdisciplinary research activities, to enable the development of materials with superior properties. ***
