Creative Inquiry Teams in Surface Polymerization
Coordinator: Lisa Benson (Dept of Engineering and Science Education )
Faculty Mentors: Doug Hirt (CAEFF), Graham Harrison, Scott Husson and Chris Kitchens (Dept of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering), and Michelle Cook (School of Education)
Introduction
These Creative Inquiry teams are focused on surface modification of polymeric materials and surface polymerization. They provide a framework for aspiring science and math teachers to team with engineering and science undergraduates on meaningful research and education projects. The current teams consist of 4-5 engineering and science students. We plan to recruit at least one science education student per team in Fall 2007. Teams are mentored by graduate students from Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering.
The Creative Inquiry researchers enrolled in an undergraduate research methods course (ENGR 190) during Spring 2007. The class met weekly as a group, then worked as teams or pairs in laboratories for several hours each week. Topics discussed during group meetings included the scientific method, ethics in scientific research, presentation skills and technical communication. The laboratory periods provided defined times for teams to be immersed in an authentic research experience in which they investigated real problems, gathered and analyzed data, and developed presentations of their research. As part of the course, the teams produced videos to introduce high school students to the research process, called "Research Is? These videos will be used to orient this summer's high school students participating in the Summer Research Internship Program to their roles as researchers.
The Spring 2007 projects were wrapped up with a poster session in the lobby of Earle Hall, where students shared their research experiences with visiting students and faculty.
Research Projects
Drug Release of Paclitaxel on Poly(lactic acid)
-graft-poly(acrylic acid) films
Research Leader: Douglas Hirt
Grad Student Mentor: Rahul Rasal
Undergraduate Researchers: Elizabeth Steele (Bioengineering) and Courtney Taylor (ChemBE)
The overall objective of this research is to covalently attach Paclitaxel, an anti-cancer drug, to a melt extruded poly(lactic acid) (PLA) film. The first step in the process is to photograft benzophenone onto the PLA film, providing a functional group to grow Polyacrylic acid (PAA) chains. After photografting PAA, the film will be analyzed by water contact angle goniometry and Atteneuated Total Reflectance-Fourier Transform Infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy, to characterize the PLA-G-PAA films. Paclitaxel will then be covalently attached to the acid group of PAA using either water soluble carbodiimide (WSC) or phosphorous pentachloride (PCl5) chemistry. These films will be characterized by water contact angle goniometry, ATR-FTIR spectroscopy, and X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) and will be immersed in a buffer solution with PH-7.4, 37 0C. The ester linkage between Paclitaxel and PAA should be easily hydrolyzed, releasing the drug. The drug-release-profiles and anti-cancer activity of the released drug will be studied.
Elizabeth Steele and Courtney Taylor discuss their future research plans with their advisor, Dr. Doug Hirt.
Rheological Characterization of Polymers: Polystyrene, PHA and PLA
Research Leader: Graham Harrison
Grad Student Mentor: Jason Conrad
Undergrad researchers: Mallory Armfield (ChemBE) and Asad Qureshi (ChemBE)
Currently there is a large dependence on fossil fuel-based polymers in society. In this work, bio-based polymers are being investigated as a possible replacement for these conventional polymers. The shear, extensional, and degradation rheology of three different polymers are examined. Polystyrene is initially studied because it is inexpensive and readily available, and the rheological properties have been widely reported in the literature. Once consistent experimental results are obtained, bio-based polymers such as poly-hydroxyalkanoates (PHA) and poly-lactic acid (PLA), which are currently being used in medical, packaging, and textile applications, will be investigated. The flow properties and degradation of pure PLA and PHA will be tested initially. Subsequently, blends of the two polymers will be investigated to optimize material properties.
Jason Conrad, Asad Qureshi and Mallory Armfield entertain questions from Dr. Bud Rice during the Creative Inquiry poster session in the Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering Department.
Ammonium Based Poly-ionic Monomer Synthesis for CO2 Sorption
Research Leader: Scott Husson and Chris Kitchens
Grad Student Mentors: Bharat Bhut and Estaban Urena
Undergraduate Researchers: Carrie Chiu and Ashley Hart
The goal of this experiment is to synthesize several poly-ionic monomers that have a high affinity for CO2. This will be useful in industrial smoke stacks or car exhaust systems to reduce CO2 emissions. The monomers under investigation are ammonium based, with different organic backbones such as p-Vinylbenzyl and 2-(methacryloyloxy) ethyl, which will be tested for their ability to absorb CO2. Analysis will be used to determine whether the experiment was carried out successfully. These tests include Fourier Transform Infrared (FT IR), proton nuclear magnetic resonance (H NMR) spectroscopy, elemental analysis, and melting point tests. These synthesized monomers will be used to design the functionality of commercially available polymer membrane surfaces for specific applications. The functionality of the different monomers will alter the functionality of polymer membrane surfaces to increase the CO2 affinity to the surface.
Carrie Chiu and Ashley Hart field questions from their advisor, Dr. Chris Kitchens.
Using Poly(ionic liquid)s to Enhance the CO2 Absorption in Cellulose Membranes
Research Leaders: Scott Husson and Chris Kitchens
Grad Student Mentors: Bharat Bhut and Esteban Urena
Undergraduate Researchers: Heather Bandstra and Meagan Derrick
Poly(ionic liquid)s (PILs) absorb significant amounts of CO2, which will ultimately lower the amount of CO2 vented into the Earth's atmosphere. The goal of this project is to polymerize PILs from a cellulose membrane via atom transfer radical polymerization which will allow the membrane to absorb CO2. 2-Bromoisobutylbromide will be bonded covalently to the cellulose surface and will serve as an initiator for polymerization of 2-(Methacryloyloxy)ethyltrimethylammonium Tetrafluoroborate. Due to the cellulose membrane's unique crystalline structure, polymerizing PILs from the membrane will result in a very efficient material for CO2 absorption. External-reflection Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and contact angle measurements will be used to compare surface functionalities of the PIL grafted membranes with the untreated cellulose membrane.
Heather Bandstra and Meagan Derrick proudly display their research findings during the Creative Inquiry poster session in the Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering Department