Polymers

The development of biodegradable polymers derived from renewable resources has been motivated by the environmental impact of plastic waste. The objective of our research is to improve
the degradation rate of spiro-polyacetals by integrating linear acetal units into their structure while preserving their desirable thermomechanical properties. The polymer, VPA-CDVE, was produced by reacting vanillin-based spiro-acetal monomer (VPA) with cyclohexanedimethanol vinyl ether (CDVE). The polyacetal that resulted was characterized using NMR spectroscopy, which

Diels-Alder (DA) reactions result in the formation of two carbon-carbon bonds of six-membered ring structures with high atom economy. The use of unsaturated organoboranes, which are widely available and exhibit low toxicity, enables the modulation of reactivity and selectivity in these reactions and also allow a variety of subsequent transformations the carbon-boron bond. These characteristics align these reactions with the principles of green chemistry.

Fluoropolymers, notably poly(vinylidene fluoride-co-hexafluoropropylene) (PH), are rendered to be an excellent choice for superior performance coatings attributed to their exceptional mechanical robustness, thermal resistance, and resistance to chemical attack. However, their low surface energy results in poor adhesion to metal substrates, limiting their application in critical corrosion-resistant systems. To address this challenge, PH was hydroxyl-modified (PHOH) to introduce active functional groups that enhance bonding capabilities.

The development of sustainable nanotechnology aligns with the principles of green chemistry, offering innovative solutions with reduced environmental impact. In this work, we present biocompatible and biodegradable nanocages as carriers for J-aggregates designed for photothermal therapy applications. These nanocages are synthesized using renewable feedstocks and prepared with green solvents such as water and ethanol, minimizing the use of hazardous chemicals.

Contaminated drinking water is the leading cause of diseases such as diarrhea, typhoid fever, hepatitis A and E, poliomyelitis, and cholera. The main objective of this project was the development of PVA-based hydrogels loaded with silver nanoparticles (Ag-NPs) synthesized through a green synthesis process, with biocidal activity for the treatment of contaminated water.

The use of polymeric materials from renewable resources has a long history, with naturally occurring polymers being among the first materials used by men. In the 19th century, natural materials, such as casein, natural rubber, and cellulose, were modified to obtain useful polymeric materials. Over the past few decades, the production and application of synthetic polymers have seen an almost exponential increase.

Natural polymers are macromolecules found in nature, composed of long chains of repeated subunits. They are synthesized by living organisms and include materials such as cellulose, proteins, and DNA. This poster provides an introduction to natural polymers.