Triglyceride crystallizationmodel systems for polymer crystallization?

bart.goderis@chem.kuleuven.be

melt

Poly(propylene-co-1-pentene)for a better impact/stiffness balance and

excellent optical properties

bart.goderis@chem.kuleuven.be

Model of crystal structure

of the new trigonal form,

with disorder in the

positioning of the

lateral groups.

spherulites

granular base morphology

Fringed micelles - clusters

lamellar base morphology

Shorter < Ethylene Sequence Length >

Comonomer ExclusionCrystal Size Reduction

Lowering of Crystallinity and

Melting Point

Increasing Comonomer Content

Predicting the Behaviour of Polymer Materials and Devices

Theory & Computer SimulationMolecular computer simulation and theory

are used to understand and predict the properties of polymer materials and devices.

HPC Hardware & Advanced Software & Theory are available.

Simulation & theory studies are of importance for the experimentally oriented topics.

Projects & MilestonesSingle chain behaviour in relation to molecular parameters & confinement (motors, valves, pumps)Self-assembly of supramolecular polymers.(Hydro)gels and polymer/liquid crystal mixtures

Molecular Simulation of Polymer Brush Conformation

Ting.Li @chem.kuleuven.be & Erik.Nies@chem.kuleuven.be

Various Morphologies of a Single Polymer Chain

<= Simulation of Colloid Suspensions and

Polymer Chain Absorption

Polymer Dispersed Liquid Crystals (PDLCs)

“Swiss cheese" polymer matrix with liquid crystal in the holes. PDLC transparency controlled by electric field. PDLC quality determined by morphology

Smart Polymers on DisplayProjection Displays, Tuneable Mirrors & Filters

Potential applicationsProjection display, Paintable display,Flexible display, Rollable display;Tuneable mirrors, Tunable color filters (band gap materials)

Projects & MilestonesMake a demonstrator PDLC displayMaking tuneable mirror or color filter Make a demonstrator mirrorMake a demonstartor color filter

Making PDLC’s Characterizing

phase separation kineticsPDLC structural propertiesoptical properties

Linking PDLC & material properties

Erik.Nies@chem.kuleuven.be

Stimulus

Polymers in (Directed) Motion Molecular Motors, Valves & Pumps

Stimulus

COIL GLOBULE(e.g. T, pH, ions, E-field)

Single Chain CollapseCan create motion in polymer micro- and nano-devices.

Solute in

Solute out

Stimulus

0.1 mm

Molecular piston In a gel single chain collapse gives work

Molecular valvePolymer brush controls aperture.

Molecular pump: valves & piston

Fields of Applications: (Bio)Medical: sensors, drugs delivery, stents, micro/nano motors, pumps & valves, actuators.Microfluidics: Molecular Valves, motors & pumps; Micro-robotics: Artificial Muscles, Actuators;Smart Coatings: Adapting surfaces (polarity switches),

Erik.Nies@chem.kuleuven.be

Projects & MilestonesMolecular valve in confined space Molecular pump in confined space Anisotropic motion Single molecule motor with directed motionDevice & molecular properties relationships

2 Volts potential on/offArtificial Muscle: Directed Motion

Self-Assembling Supramolecular Block copolymers

Functional Polymeric Nanomaterials

x = 2.0 x = 1.5 x = 1.0

PS-block-P4VP(CSA)1.0(PDP)x

Supramolecular block copolymers: THE BUILDING BLOCKS for nanostructuring

Fields of Applications: Nanoparticles, Nano-porous membranes, Self assembled color filters, Drug delivery

Projects & MilestonesColor tuneable reflectorsSmart surfaces Smart nanoparticles,Nano-porous membranes, valves & pumps

Demonstrator tunable reflectorDemonstrator functional nano-porous membrane

PS P4VP(DBSA)y

30 Å

up to 1400 Å

Erik.Nies@chem.kuleuven.be

core-shell nanorods

nanoporous membrane

Hierarchical structures Cleaving (optional)20-100 nm

3-8 nm