Investigation on the synthesis and properties of hyperbranched polymers as biomaterial carriers and modifi ers of polymer composites

Aim of project
The presented project concerns investigation on the synthesis of hyperbranched polymers and their application as biomaterial carriers and modifi ers of polymer composites. Hyperbranched polymers (HBP) are polymeric molecules in which the repeating units are not connected in line but grow from the core of a molecule to the outer sphere. Because the repeating units are connected in an uncontrolled manner HBPs do not show regular built of dendrimers. But some of their properties could compete with those of dendrimers. The main advantage of HBPs is the simplicity of their synthesis.

The project consists of the following stages:
Investigation of synthesis of new AB 2 type monomers based on glycerol;
Synthesis of biodegradable, hyperbranched polymers based on the synthesized monomers;
Immobilization of biomolecules on an outer sphere of a hyperbranched polymer and functionalization of HBP with methacrylate polimerizable groups;
Application of HBPs for modifi cation of acrylic composites.

Expected results
It is expected that the growing production of biodiesel will result in large quantities of glycerol on the market. One way of utilizing glycerol can be synthesis of biodegradable polymers. The synthetic pathways elaborated in this project could result in the future in production of biodegradable polyethers and polyesters. The results of our investigations will be published in quality polymer journals and presented on local and international polymer conferences. The results will be the basis for 6 M.Sc. theses and parts of two Ph.D. theses.