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Andrew (Andy) Heidenreich

Andrew (Andy) Heidenreich is a Ph.D. student in the department of Polymer Science at the University of Akron. He obtained a B.S. in Polymer Science from the University of Southern Mississippi in May 2006. Upon coming to Akron he joined Puskas research group in October of 2006.

Project Objective: To synthesize arborescent polyisoprene via RAFT using industry-friendly emulsion conditions.

Andy’s current work involves the use of functionalized chain transfer agents in Reversible-Addition Fragmentation Chain Transfer (RAFT) polymerization to synthesize hyperbranched/arborescent polymers, namely polyisoprene and polystyrene.

His research interests include polymer synthesis and spectroscopic and physical characterization of polymers.


 

 

Synthesis of Arb-PI

  • Chain branching occurs through co-polymerization of the vinyl functional group on the chain transfer agent with the isoprene monomer, resulting in an arborescent architecture.
  • The RAFT technique provides a “living” functionality for possibilities of further chemical modification or synthesis of block copolymers.