Materials Science Seminar: Surface Modification of Polymers with Vacuum UV Photo-oxidation

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scms seminar ryan keeley

Surface Modification of Polymers with Vacuum UV Photo-oxidation

Ryan Keeley
Materials Science and Engineering MS Candidate
School of Chemistry and Materials Science, RIT
Research Mentor: Dr. Gerald Takacs

Mr. Keeley will discuss his project work involving the modification of PES for possible use in water filtration technologies, and PEEK for similar applications.

This event will be held on campus in 1300 Gosnell Hall or you may join via Zoom at the link below
Register Here for Zoom Link

Abstract
:

Vacuum UV (VUV) photo-oxidation is a technique which can be used to modify various materials, notably polymers, through the addition of different oxygen-based functional groups. It is considered a surface-level process because it only initiates chemical changes on the surface of a sample, without modifying its bulk properties. This allows the process of VUV photo-oxidation to make the sample surface more hydrophilic due to the prominence of polar functional groups. This research investigated the modification of polyether sulfone (PES) for use in possible water filtration technologies, and polyether ether ketone (PEEK) for similar applications, as well as potential use in High Temperature Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells, to potentially better retain the doped phosphoric acid used in the technology. Both materials were mainly analyzed by water contact angle measurements to gauge the hydrophilicity of the samples and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy to determine the oxygen content on the surface. Using these methods, it was found that an increase in treatment time of VUV photo-oxidation led to an increase in oxygen-based functional groups on the surface, resulting in decreasing water contact angles for both materials, albeit at different rates. In addition, VUV photo-oxidation was utilized in collaboration with Dr. Matt Miri for the surface modification of some sustainable polymers.

Speaker Bio:
Ryan Keeley is a Materials Science graduate student here at RIT with a major in Chemical Engineering and a minor in Creative Writing. Over the course of his degree, he worked at two fabrication plants, for thin films and pumps, gaining hands-on experience he brought to his research under Dr. Gerald Takacs. With the experience gained from this project, he hopes to excel at his new position with Soane Labs in Reno, NV, modifying other polymers for use in the manufacturing industry. While not at the lab, he enjoys hiking upstate NY's many hiking trails, reading an ever-increasing stack of novels, and perfecting his culinary skills.

Intended Audience:
Undergraduates, graduates, and experts. Those with interest in the topic.

To request an interpreter, please visit myaccess.rit.edu


Contact
Michael Cross
Event Snapshot
When and Where
August 05, 2021
10:00 am - 11:30 am
Room/Location: See Zoom Registration Link
Who

Open to the Public

Interpreter Requested?

No

Topics
research