Smart Polymeric Materials by Ring-Opening Metathesis Polymerization

Abstract

The aim of this Thesis work was to address the issue of microbial contamination inside fuel tanks. Microorganisms induce the chemical corrosion of airplane tank walls due to their production of organic acids. Biocide compounds are typically used to inhibit these microorganisms, either in the form of organic small molecules, or most commonly as chromium-based coatings on the walls to hinder chemical corrosion. Organic biocides need to be replenished regularly, while chromium is a particularly dangerous compound targeted by the European Registration, Evaluation and Authorization of Chemicals (REACh) legislation due to its carcinogenic nature. A replacement approach selected for this project was the development of a smart system of multifunctional polymeric particles synthesized by dispersion ROMP, which can deliver a biocide following an acidic trigger due to the presence of microorganisms. The polymerization utilized a linear α-norbornenyl-polyglycidol macromonomer as a reactive surfactant. The hydroxyl-rich polyglycidol backbone of the macromonomer was beneficial for the conjugation of dodecylamine through a pH-sensitive imine bond and permitted the preparation of highly functionalized bioactive particles. A proof of concept for the pH sensitivity of the system was provided and the antifungal efficacy of the biocide-functionalized macromonomer and particles was verified. The particles were also integrated in a coating formulation to simulate their application on tank walls. The qualities of the original coating were preserved even after prolonged exposure to corrosive conditions, making this system viable for its foreseen application.