Intercalation kinetics of polymers in graphite oxide

Cyclic polymers possess unique physico-chemical properties compared to their linear counterparts as a result of the absence of end-groups and the equivalence of all monomer units. These differences may be expressed in their hydrodynamic, rheological, optical and thermal properties. However, those physical properties could be significantly deviated if linear impurities are present in the cyclic polymer sample. For that reason, removal of linear impurities from cyclic polymer samples is a key concern.

The aim of the project is to evaluate the separation efficiency of linear and cyclic polymers by intercalation in graphite oxide. With this aim, the student will focus on kinetic studies of intercalation of polymers in graphite oxide by means of X-ray diffraction and calorimetric techniques.