The primary objective of this US-Bulgarian research project between Dr. Johannes Smid of the State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry and Dr. Christo Tsvetanov of the Institute of Polymers, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, is to synthesize and evaluate hydrophilic/hydrophobic polymer gels based on polyethyleneoxide (PEO). The main goals of this project are: 1) to synthesize and characterize hydrogel networks of polyethylene oxide containing hydrophobic sites; 2) to study the swelling behavior of gels as a function of temperature, salt and surfacant additive; 3) to establish the binding characteristics of the gels; and 4) to explore potential applications of the hydrogels. The researchers are concerned with understanding materials derived from polyethylene oxide. Their efforts should produce information regarding compounds containing the ethylene oxide moiety. Such information should be an important contribution to the understanding of problems related to polyethlene oxide and its many derivatives including linear and network polymers, and block and graft copolymers. This project in polymers research fulfills the program objective of advancing scientific knowledge by enabling leading experts in the United States and Eastern Europe to combine complementary talents and pool research resources in areas of strong mutual interest and competence.
