This Project Grant award from the National Science Foundation (NSF) Mathematical and Physical Sciences (CFDA 47.049) program supports research on stimuli-responsive multicomponent molecular bottlebrush polymers at the University of Tennessee. The $609,610 award, effective August 1, 2024 through July 31, 2028, will fund the design, synthesis, and characterization of these adaptive polymers and their behavior at water-oil interfaces. The research aims to elucidate the critical molecular parameters that give rise to the elastic interfacial properties and rapid desorption of the bottlebrush polymers in response to external stimuli. Findings from this project could enable new classes of stimuli-responsive emulsions for applications in enhanced oil recovery and medicine. The award also provides a platform for training graduate and undergraduate students, as well as hosting and mentoring high school students in STEM fields.
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