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Details of Grant 

EPSRC Reference: GR/R20304/01
Title: Formation, Structure and Properties of Polymer Networks - Computer Modelling and Linked Experimental Studies
Principal Investigator: Ward, Professor IM
Other Investigators:
Stepto, Professor R
Researcher Co-Investigators:
Project Partners:
Accelrys Ltd Molecular Simulations
Department: Physics and Astronomy
Organisation: University of Leeds
Scheme: Standard Research (Pre-FEC)
Starts: 01 January 2001 Ends: 31 March 2004 Value (£): 171,900
EPSRC Research Topic Classifications:
Materials Characterisation
EPSRC Industrial Sector Classifications:
Manufacturing Healthcare
Information Technologies
Related Grants:
GR/R20489/01
Panel History:  
Summary on Grant Application Form
The principal thrusts of the present proposal are: 1. Simulation and modelling of network formation, structure and properties using end linking polymerisations, evaluating the elastic properties of loop structures to enable a priori predictions of elastic modulus to be made; 2. New radiation crosslinking experiments and modelling, using polybutadiene and other elastomers, together with crosslinking enhancers; 3. Stress-strain properties of networks, modelling various modes of deformation, large deformations and the effects of junction-point functionality; 4. Stress-orientational behaviour of molecular networks, with particular reference to PDMS and PET; 5. The accurate characterisation of entanglements and their interplay with stress-orientational behaviour; 6. Graphics display to elucidate the occurrence and effects of entanglements and the details of mechanisms of chain deformation.New experimental data related to crosslinking, stress-orientation and stress-strain behaviour will be generated and used to validate modelling in areas 2, 3, 4 and 5.
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Organisation Website: http://www.leeds.ac.uk