University of Florida Research Foundation Inc

Clemson University

Travis W Baughman

Kenneth Boone Wagener

John Ballato

Stephen H Foulger

Ping Jiang

Dennis Smith

Amanda C Lattam

A method of preparing periodic, semi-periodic, or semi-random polyethylene-co-acrylic acid or polyethylene-co-methacrylic acid involves polymerizing 1-alkoxyalkyl ester substituted &#x3b1;,&#x3a9;-dienes, and/or 1-alkoxyalkyl ester substituted cycloalkenes via olefin metathesis reactions followed by hydrogenation of the alkylene units and subsequently hydrolyzed to the desired polyethylene-co-acrylic acid or polyethylene-co-methacrylic acid. The polyethylene-co-acrylic acid or polyethylene-co-methacrylic acid can then be converted to ionomers by exchange with a monomeric carboxylate salt.

Highly organized polyolefin structures

Crystalline colloidal arrays (CCA) which have been encapsulated in a polymer matrix to produce more robust polymerized crystalline colloidal arrays (PCCA) are provided. The PCCA's of the present invention can be in the form of a hydrogel which can be compatible for use with a biological system. The polymer matrix of the PCCA is formed of polymerized poly(ethylene glycol) based monomer units which can provide a desired functionality to the PCCA. The PCCA can be formed to exhibit a photonic bandgap at a certain wavelength. The photonic bandgap can be capable of shifting upon some form of environmental stimulation rendering the PCCA suitable for many optical applications, including active photonic switching and sensory applications.

Chemical compositions comprising crystalline colloidal arrays

Growing community of inventors

Gainesville, FL, United States of America

Travis W Baughman