Lowie Maes Email & Phone Number

Flanders, Belgium

Balen, Vlaanderen, België

Hasselt

Short summary of research projectPolymer materials are usually produced through conventional polymerization techniques like free radical or ionic polymerization. These techniques offer polymers with various topologies, compositions, chain lengths and functionalities but have a very low control over the molecular weight distribution. Therefore, these techniques are inadequate to synthesize polymers/oligomers with a well-defined monomer order. With the development of controlled radical polymerization (CRP) control over the molecular weight distribution was achieved which makes it possible to synthesize sequence controlled (SC) and sequence defined (SD) materials via radical procedures. In both types of materials, the structure is well-defined but SC materials consists out of polydisperse building blocks whereas SD materials are build out of monodisperse parts. When specific monomers are used that contain side chains capable of forming hydrogen bonds (e.g. nucleobases) fascinating new types of materials can be synthesized with remarkable properties. These multiple hydrogen bond (MHB) SD materials are similar to natures biopolymers like DNA, proteins or enzymes and can be used as specific building blocks for biosensing applications or self healing materials.

Master In Industrial Sciences: Chemistry, Industrial Sciences: Chemistry, Distinction

Master Dissertation: “Investigation and optimization of surface modification protocols to attach sequence-defined oligomers onto silica.

Bachelor In Industrial Sciences: Chemistry, Industrial Sciences: Chemistry, Distinction

Bachelor Dissertation: "Improving the reduction potential of a lead blast furnace by investigating a smaller coke size and the use of tin.

Aso, Science-Math (6H)