Polymer degradation in micron-to-nano-sized confinements
Polymer degradation in micron-to-nano-sized confinements
Polymer degradation in micron-to-nano-sized confinements
Controlling the degradation, including biodegradation, of polymers is an important characteristic of polymers that is relevant to their sustainable use. Particularly at the macro- and nanometre scale, degradation, as a phenomenon, is little understood.
Hypothesis: polymer degradation geometrically limited to the macro- and nanometre scale may proceed differently from the macro-scale.
Research questions:
- How does the confinement within small pores or limited spaces alter the rate of polymer degradation compared to bulk environments (flat surface)?
- What factors (e.g., pore size, polymer diffusion) control the degradation rates?
- How do the shape, size, and connectivity of pores affect the molecular breakdown and mechanical erosion of polymers?
- Are there threshold pore sizes where biodegradation becomes significantly slower or faster?
The primary research and analysis tool for this project will be the Atomic Force Microscope.
Contact info:
(Daily) Supervisor:
Hubert Gojzewski, h.gojzewski@utwente.nl