Transmission X-ray Scattering Morphological Characterization of Poly(caprolactone)
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Patrick Martins
College:
The Dorothy and George Hennings College of Science, Mathematics, and Technology
Major:
Biotechnology/Molecular Biology
Faculty Research Advisor(s):
Brian Ree
Abstract:
Nanoscale cages are a unique materials due to their potential to be used in various applications such as capsules, carriers, templates, reactors, and so on.1,2 In general, they can be prepared through self-assembly of molecules1 and chemical synthesis of molecular cages.2 Numerous methods exist for self-assembly approach but they are faced with practical challenges that limit their viability.1 As alternatives, nanoscale cages in the form of organic molecule-based cages have been developed.5 Among many examples, macromolecular cages of poly(-caprolactone) (PCL)3,4,5 have exhibited rather unique behavior regarding their phase transitions and morphology as a result of the unique cage topology. The project aims to investigate the impact of macromolecular cage topology on the thermal and morphological properties of PCL in solid state. Quantitative thermal (phase transition) and morphological characterizations are to be carried out through differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and X-ray scattering techniques, respectively. Various data analysis techniques, statistical models, and theoretical exploration based on the principles of polymer chemistry will be applied.