The National Science Foundation (NSF) Division of Chemistry awarded a $420,000 Project Grant under the Mathematical and Physical Sciences (CFDA 47.049) federal grant program to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Through this 3-year award, the researchers will develop catalytic methods to edit the molecular architectures of various plastics such as polyesters and polyurethanes. The goal is to enable a spectrum of polymer architectures, including force-responsive materials that can change properties upon stretching or compressing. The research aims to leverage an understanding of catalyzed 3,3-sigmatropic rearrangements to enable broad architectural and property editing of soft materials. This work will provide interdisciplinary research training to students and develop polymer-focused educational programs that integrate sustainability and circularity concepts.
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