Clemson University

The University of Southern Mississippi

Marek W Urban

Biswajit Ghosh

Ying Yang

James M Evans

Nattharika Aumsuwan

The present invention provides alkyl substituted polysaccharide compositions and methods of repairing substrates involving use of the alkyl substituted polysaccharide compositions.

Self-repairing polyurethane networks

Provided is a copolymer exhibiting self-healing properties. The copolymer comprises first units comprising first pendant groups wherein the first pendant groups are alkyls having at least 1 to no more than 6 carbons. Second units comprising second pendant groups are alkyls having at least 2 to no more than 8 carbons. The first units and second units are in a molar ratio of 45/55 to 55/45 and the pendant groups form an inter-pendant space having a volume of at least 80 Ang.to no more than 140 Ang.. The copolymer comprises no more than 3 adjacent first units and no more than 3 adjacent second units.

Key-and-lock commodity self-healing copolymers

Single-step synthesis processes for production of ultrahigh molecular weight block copolymers are described. The ultrahigh molecular weight copolymers can have a molecular weight of about 10or greater and can be formed within a few hours in a surfactant-free environment. The formation process is controlled by initiator-starvation conditions in a sequential polymerization of monomers exhibiting different solubility in the solvent.

One step synthesis of ultrahigh molecular weight block copolymers

Thermosetting polymeric compositions, such as polyurethane compositions, and related methods are provided. The invention relates to coating and polymer compositions and related methods derived from a biodegradable natural polysaccharide compound such as chitosan, pectin, heparin, and combinations thereof reacted to a cyclic oxide compound, such as an oxetane, oxolane or oxepane compound. The compositions and methods of the present invention exhibit self-repairing properties upon exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light. The compositions and methods of the present invention can be used in many coating applications, such as the transportation, packaging, fashion, and biomedical industries.

Self-repairing cyclic oxide-substituted chitosan polyurethane networks

Polymers are disclosed that are chemically modified to retard bacterial growth. Such modified polymers (e.g. ePTFE and polypropylene) are produced by first creating acid groups on the polymer surface through reactions with an anhydride. The acid groups are then linked to polyethylene glycol (PEG) through esterification or other reactions such as amidation. Preferably, at least two different molecular weight PEG species are employed. The antimicrobial surface is completed by linking antibiotics (e.g. &#x3b2;-lactam antibiotics) to the PEG extensions. One preferred embodiment of such a modified polymer is produced using ePTFE, maleic anhydride (MA), and penicillin (PEN) to yield PEN-PEG-MA-ePTFE, which inhibits gram-positive bacteria. The PEG spacer is critical for PEN function in this context, since PEN-ePTFE is ineffective against bacterial growth. Another preferred embodiment incorporates ampicillin (AMP) and a heterobifunctional PEG, HOOC&#x2014;(CH&#x2014;CH&#x2014;O)&#x2014;NH, to yield AMP-PEG-MA-ePTFE. This latter example inhibits both gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria.

Method of attaching drug compounds to non-reactive polymer surfaces

A method and apparatus are disclosed to track the position of the sun and direct an object to the direction of the sun, regardless of weather conditions or geographical location, among other disruptive or interrupting factors. The object may include a solar collector, solar cell, or test panel, among other possible devices or applications requiring near continuous exposure to rays of the sun. The apparatus uses a GPS device to determine the position of the object on the earth. The apparatus includes a controller operatively coupling to the GPS device. The controller calculates the relative position of the sun with respect to the object. The controller operatively couples to a positioning system. The positioning system includes a first drive and a second drive coupled to the object. Commands from the controller operate the positioning system to articulate the object and automatically direct it towards the relative position of the sun.

Growing community of inventors

Clemson, SC, United States of America

Marek W Urban