Work is directed to the synthesis of polymers one monomer at a time in an attempt to approach the degree of sophistication exhibited by natural polymers. An overriding aspect of all of our work is the desire to use environmentally friendly processes, which are viable on the commercial scale. Work is carried out to use existing polymerisation methodology to build polymers of specific geometry whilst attempting to understand the mechanisms of polymerisation. We firmly believe that in order to fully utilise a polymerisation system we must fully understand the chemistry. This leads to our work being a hybrid between organometallic catalysis and traditional polymer synthesis.
Work is focussed on the development of controlled free radical polymerisation.
We are always conscious of the need for our work to be directed towards polymers with potential commercialisation.