POLYMER RESEARCH PAGE

Dr. Robert W. Kopitzke
Associate Professor of Chemistry
Winona State University

Research Interests:

In broad terms my research is on the synthesis and characterization of new polymers. I currently have three narrower research interests that fall within this area.

1. Proton-Exchange Membrane Electrolytes: My original research efforts have dealt with developing novel, polymeric proton exchange membranes (PEM's) for use in electrochemical cells (specifically- fuel cells).  Students who work in this area work on the synthesis of sulfonated monomers and there subsequent polymerization. Currently, one of my students is working on a monomer synthetic route utilizing Suzuki coupling.

2. Synthesis of Partially Fluorinated Step-Growth Polymers: The most important commercial fluorinated or partially fluorinated polymers are derived from chain-growth polyerization of vinyl monomers (for example polytetrafluoroethylene or Teflon, polyvinylidene fluoride and polyvinyl fluoride). Fluorine containing, non-vinyl derived polymers with are less common (and more expensive) and are of interest to me because of their potentially high thermal and chemical stability. Two specific projects that students are working on in this area are 1. The development of the difluormethyl group (CF₂) as an activator for nucleophilic aromatic substitution in the synthesis of new polyarylethers, and 2. The Suzuki Polycondensation of aromatic backbone polymers linked with CF₂ groups.

3. Synthesis of Dendrimers and Hyperbranched Polymers: The current project in this area is the synthesis dendrimers with terminal phosphine oxide groups as flame retardant additives.

Student Research Opportunities:

So what should you do if you are interested in doing some chemical research at WSU? (required for Chem. option B, but certainly a useful experience for Chem. option A)  First, find out who is doing what in the department.  Don't just pick one person and go do research with them.  You might be surprised at the types of research you can get involved with in the chemistry department.  I strongly prefer that students who do research with me start late in their sophomore year or early in their junior year. I currently have four students (Eric Anderson, Sunzida Ferdous, Ross Haroldson and Grace Mbogo) doing research with me - each working on one of the projects described above. Three of these will be graduating in the spring, so I will be looking for students this spring who are interested in starting next fall. New students will usually be working to extend the work of previous students, but occasionally a student will begin a project in a completely new area (Eric is the first student to work in the Suzuki Polycondensation project). Expectations and requirements vary among faculty members, so find out what is expected of you before you make a commitment.  A copy of the handout given to my Chem. 430 students this year (Chem. 430 is the research "class") is available at the link:  Chemistry 430

Money for student research is hard to come by.  Students can write proposals (very small ones) to get up to $500 for research and an additional $300 for travel. This looks very good on a resume or when applying to graduate school. All four of my current students applied for and received $500 undergraduate research grants.