1006195_Pugh

1. Synthesis of a Polymerizable Benzocyclobutene that Undergoes Isomerization at Reduced TemperatureColeen Pugh, University of Akron, DMR 1006195 Benzocyclobutenes (BCBs) are useful in polymer science due to their ability to ring-open (isomerize) and crosslink at elevated temperatures (>200 °C). However, the high temperatures required limits their use with temperature-sensitive materials. The ring-opening isomerization temperature can be lowered by introducing electron-donating substituents onto the cyclobutene ring. We developed the synthetic route shown to produce a BCB substituted with both an ethyl ether group and a polymerizable vinyl group; the resulting vinyl BCB (VBCB) can be polymerized at 60 °C, and crosslinked into a nanoparticle at 140 °C. This VBCB will be used to create nanoparticles that have complex shapes, in which the different parts have different surface properties. The different parts of the nanoparticle can now be created stepwise using chemistry that reacts at a different temperatures for each of the different parts. The VBCB can also be used to create nanostructured flexible films.

2. Synthesis of a Polymerizable Benzocyclobutene that Undergoes Isomerization at Reduced Temperature Coleen Pugh, University of Akron, DMR 1006195 King Elementary School completed its first Science Olympiad on March 27. Practices were held every Sunday beginning on February 6 in the Goodyear Polymer Science Building. For the first year, we concentrated on seven events: Blood, Guts and Bones; Mystery Architecture; Polymer Detective; Potions; Puff Mobiles; Science Sampler; and Water Rockets. Science Olympiad is a national program in which students learn science through active, hands-on activities, with an emphasis on problem solving and team building skills. Twenty six children participated.