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Award Abstract #0320857
Acquisition of a Gel-Permeation Chromatograph and ReactIR for Polymerization Studies at Luther College
| NSF Org: |
CHE
Division of Chemistry
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| Initial Amendment Date: |
July 2, 2003 |
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| Latest Amendment Date: |
July 2, 2003 |
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| Award Number: |
0320857 |
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| Award Instrument: |
Standard Grant |
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| Program Manager: |
Wade N. Sisk
CHE Division of Chemistry
MPS Directorate for Mathematical & Physical Sciences
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| Start Date: |
September 1, 2003 |
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| Expires: |
August 31, 2006 (Estimated) |
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| Awarded Amount to Date: |
$109294 |
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| Investigator(s): |
Bradley Chamberlain chambr01@luther.edu (Principal Investigator)
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| Sponsor: |
Luther College
700 College Drive
Decorah, IA 52101 563/387-2000
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| NSF Program(s): |
MAJOR RESEARCH INSTRUMENTATION
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| Field Application(s): |
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| Program Reference Code(s): |
AMPP, 9161
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| Program Element Code(s): |
1189
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ABSTRACT
With support from the Major Research Instrumentation (MRI) Program, the Department of Chemistry at Luther College will acquire a gel permeation chromatograph (GPC) and ReactIR instrument for polymer characterization. This equipment will enhance research in a number of areas including the development of a) novel plant-based polyesters derived from naturally-occurring terpenes; b) plant-based poly(ester amides) derived from morpholine-2,5-diones; c) novel lactone polymerization catalysts based upon titatnium (IV) alkoxides; d) novel plant-based polyolefins derived from naturally-occurring fatty acids; and e) novel optically active, late transition metal olefin polymerization catalysts.
Gel permeation chromatography (GPC) is an extremely powerful technique used for the separation and analysis of complex mixtures, in which components are separated based on their size. It is the standard method in both academia and industry to accurately determine the molecular weight and polydispersity index of a polymer sample. The ReactIR is an in situ Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectrophotometer that allows real-time monitoring of chemical reactions. These instruments will substantially strengthen scientific research at this primarily undergraduate institution and will allow for the incorporation of polymer and material sciences into the research and teaching programs.
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