Reports: AC7
46933-AC7 Computational Investigation of New Separation Schemes for Branched Polymers
During the past year (2008-2009), two graduate students, two postdoc and one undergraduate student were engaged with research related to this project. The grant paid for support of one postdoc and one graduate student. The research activities and accomplishment during the past year are described below
1) We are looking into adsorption of heteropolymers (copolymers) on a homogeneous surface. Our objective is to examine how one may separate copolymers according to chemical composition and sequence (i.e. blocky versus alternating), which is a real challenge and a real need in polymer analysis. Our computational investigation showed that the possiblility of separation copolymers according to chemical composition lie in the resolution of the separation. We are preparing a manuscript on this topic.
2) One graduate student is studying partitioning of star polymers into the pore. Earlier we have examined the partitioning of stars into pore at the critical adsorption point (CAP). Now he is extending the previous study and examining the partition rule above CAP, at CAP and below CAP. This will give a full and better understanding of how star polymers partitioning into pores, and hence better understanding of separation of star polymers in liquid chromatography.
3) We are developing a new simulation method, lattice Boltzmann coupled with molecular dynamic (LBMD) simulation, to examine the transport of star polymers in the pore. One postdoc, supported by this grant, is taking the initiative. The development of this simulation technique will enable us to examine the transport of star polymers through pores and will allow us to investigate how to separate star polymers from linear polymers by transport controlled mechanism.
4) The fourth line of research is examination of selective adsorption of heteropolymer on heterogeneous surface. Bhumin Patel, an undergraduate student, worked on this project over the last year. Bhumin has graduated from University of Memphis with B.S. major in biology and minor in chemistry. Bhumin was supported by the Honor’s program at University of Memphis and he presented this research at Nation Conferences on Undergraduate Research (NCUR) in April 2009.
