CONDPOLS-2 · Development of new polymer materials with electrical conductivity and stimuli-sensitive attributes
FP6 — Marie Curie Actions (Human Resources and Mobility)
- Duration
- 2005-07-01 → 2008-06-30
- EU contribution
- €249,752
- Participants
- 2
- Scheme
- OIF
Lines connect the coordinator with its partners.
Results in brief
Final Activity Report Summary - CONDPOLS-2 (Development of new polymer materials with electrical conductivity and stimuli-sensitive attributes)
During the project several stimuli-sensitive polymers with electrical conductivity were prepared. Based on poly (p-phenylene ethynylene)s (PPEs), a class of conjugated, (semi)conducting polymers with interesting optical properties with normally linear, rod-like molecules, hyperbranched derivatives were synthesised. These polymers demonstrated a better processability compared to covalent cross-linked polymers of the same class. Their charge-carrier mobility was higher than that of linear polymers. Using metalo-supramolecular chemistry new optical decoupled PPEs build from oligo-PPE precursors equipped with complex-binding chain ends and metal salts were developed. The polymers showed good mechanical properties and emitted light under electrical stimulation (electroluminiscence). Within the project, a Light emitting device (LED) was build from these polymers. Furthermore a new PPE derivative containing proton accepting groups in the side chain (dialkylamino) was prepared and nanocomposites with biological material, cellulose whiskers isolated from the tunikate styela clava were manufactured. These composites had much better mechanical properties than the pure conjugated polymers that were used, such as PANI and PPE alone. Based on these findings, a new method for the preparation of cellulose nanocomposites with several other non-conjugated polymers, such as polystyrene was also developed. Finally, new redox sensitive PPEs were developed during the project. They provided redox sensitive moieties which could be easily oxidised and reduced. As proven in the project, these polymers were not cytotoxic and were usable in sensor applications for single cell monitoring devices, which were currently under development by GKSS by the time of the project completion. As a result of this project, a new research group for the use of conjugated polymers in the development of biomaterials was established in 2008 at the GKSS research centre, in the Centre for Biomaterial Development, in Teltow campus.
Data: CORDIS, © European Union
Project objective
This project covers the development and synthesis of new Poly(p-phenylene ethynylene) (PPE) derivatives with pendent radicals at the polymer backbone and the determination of their properties by electrochemical methods, to investigate the potential of PPE derivatives as intrinsically electrically conducting materials, as well as stimuli-sensitive materials for drug delivery systems or surgical devices.These newly created materials may help e.g. to improve the living conditions with serious illnesses by advanced stimuli-sensitive implant materials for artificial organs and controlled drug release systems (e.g. an insulin pump). Case Western Reserve University (Cleveland, Ohio, USA), the host of the first phase is a world leader in the research of conducting polymers. Together with its expertise it is planned to prepare two kinds of PPE systems: PPE derivatives with EHO-OPPE backbone containing aminoxyl radical moieties and PPEs, which feature semiquinone or phenoxide segments. It is anticipated that this investigation will provide firm answers to the fundamental question how pendant radicals can be introduced into these materials without compromising their processability and chemical stability.The proposed high ambipolar charge-carrier mobility will be investigated using cyclic voltametry. GKSS, the host institution in the EU holds a leading position in regenerative medicine and polymer development. With the help of the expertise and the facilities at GKSS the developed PPE derivatives will be processed into thin films followed by evaluation of their electrical, mechanical and biological properties. With contributions of physics, chemistry and material sciences this project seeks to go into the newly evolving interdisciplinary field of conducting polymers and t heir applications. Due to its numerous applications this interdisciplinary field has a high potential for future enlargement, which therefore provides an excellent basis for the future career of the fellow.
Original text from CORDIS.
Participants
- GKSS - FORSCHUNGSZENTRUM GEESTHACHT GMBH · GEESTHACHTCoordinatorGermany
- CASE WESTERN RESERVE UNIVERSITY · CLEVELAND (OH)United States
Links
Data: CORDIS, © European Union