Thermo-responsive polymers like poly(Nisopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM) undergo a reversible coil-to-globule transition due to the formation of intramolecular hydrogen bonds, after which the chains collapse and aggregate into bigger globules in water. This leads to many applications for instance smart switches or controlled drug release. The undergraduate student will be involved in investigations of the phase behavior using micro-spectroscopy and optical imaging. The project has a global perspective as we are collaborating with scientists at the Technical University Munich Germany that has already lead to joint publications (ACS Macro Lett. 6,180−1185(2017); includes UCF undergraduate student)
Project Dates
Start Date: 1/8/2024 - End Date: 4/28/2024
Students Needed
Type of Project
Individual
Student Responsibilities
Participate in experiments on smart polymers employing micro-spectroscopy Analyze data and prepare graphs using current software Keep lab book Attend weekly meetings
Time Commitment
10 hours per week hour(s)
Student Requirements
some intro physics courses
Interested in Working With the Following Programs
For EXCEL URE Students Only
Additional Notes
EXCEL program