This proposal requests funds to permit Dr. Bernard Gordon, Department of Polymer Science, Pennsylvania State University, to pursue with Dr. Seng Neon Gan, Department of Chemistry, University of Malaya, macromer synthesis via delocalized carbanions. Their research will involve (1) preparing new macromers (polymers with a reactive terminal) by anionic initiation, (2) chemically modifying hydrogenated rubbers to produce elastic fragments with reactive terminals, and (3) investigating the reactions of epoxidized natural rubber with various macromers and polymers prepared by anionic initiation. Diversification of the traditional uses of natural and synthetic rubbers can be achieved by changing the properties of the base polymers. This can be done by direct chemical reactions to change the structures or by grafting other polymers onto the rubber structure. This project adds an international cooperative dimension to the PI's research under NSF Grant No. DMR-8822938. Dr. Gan's experience with natural and synthetic rubbers and prior collaboration with the PI on macromers will add a valuable new dimension to the ongoing research. This project is relevant to the objectives of the Science in Developing Countries Program which seeks to increase the level of cooperation between U.S. and developing country scientists and engineers through the exchange of scientific information, ideas, skills, and techniques and through collaboration on problems of mutual benefit.
