Date of Award

Spring 5-2013

Degree Type

Honors College Thesis

Department

Polymers and High Performance Materials

First Advisor

Derek L. Patton

Advisor Department

Polymers and High Performance Materials

Abstract

In this thesis, thiol-ene networks of pentaerythritol allyl ether (APE) and pentaerythritol tris(3-mercaptopropionate) (PETMP) modified with dopamine acrylamide (DAm) containing catechol functionality were formulated and tested in order to investigate the effect the catechol group has on major network properties and adhesion. DAm-APE-PETMP networks were successfully synthesized and applied to a wide variety of substrates (Glass, Steel, Aluminum, etc.) in order to test adhesion. The networks were also characterized using infrared spectroscopy, photo-dynamic scanning calorimetry, dynamic mechanical analysis, and tensile testing. Improved macroscopic adhesion values over the neat APE-PETMP networks were achieved on a variety of substrates including steel, aluminum, stone, and glass. Increases in glass transition temperature (Tg), glassy storage modulus, and toughness were observed with increasing concentration of DAm. Crosslink density and storage modulus above Tg decreased with increasing concentration of DAm.

Comments

Honors College Award: Top Thesis

Included in

Engineering Commons

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