Research Projects

Fluorinated copolymers, known for their low surface energy, oil and water repellency, and weather resistance, have gained attention for potential applications in Li-ion batteries, fuel cell membranes, and coating industries. The project aims to develop a facile transformation strategy from living cationic polymerization to photoRDRP to prepare novel functional fluorinated block copolymers with properties of both F-monomers exclusively polymerizable via RDRP and vinyl ethers/substituted styrenes exclusively polymerizable via living cationic polymerization. The structure-activity relationships of the synthesized copolymers will be investigated, and the potential application of the synthesized copolymers as anti-corrosion coatings will be investigated. The collaboration between the Kostjuk group at Belarusian State University and the Banerjee group at IIT Bhilai will enable researchers to combine complementary expertise in living cationic polymerization and photoRDRP processes, providing the opportunity to combine the properties of two different monomer types. The project will involve detailed kinetic and mechanistic studies, structural characterization, thermal properties, adhesion properties, and anti-corrosion studies.