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Steven Zimmerman - University of Illinois

Abstract:

This talk will cover two separate topics involving polymers. The first will focus on the development of polymers that mimic metalloenzymes and are potential tools for chemical biology and medicinal chemistry. These artificial enzymes expand the types of reactions that can be performed both in aqueous solution and the complex environment inside living cells. The second topic involves the development of degradable polyurethanes for end-of-life repurposing.  Millions of tons of polyurethanes (PU) are produced every day and most of these materials end up in landfills or the ocean. We have developed a new class of PUs that breakdown to modified polyols that can be repurposed into new materials.  The degradation can be performed at room temperature. The overall chemistry and applications will be presented.