Synthesis and characterisation of original cyclopolyesters and cyclopolyamides with unprecedented properties

"The goal of this PhD thesis project is to design, synthesise and characterise a range of new cyclopolymers with well-defined topologies and properties, and potential industrial applications.

In the first part of the project, the PhD student will prepare helical cyclopolyesters, that will be used to synthesise unprecedented linear polyesters, possessing only cis alkenes. The perfect control of the alkene geometry will lead to elastomers with enhanced mechanical properties. In addition, the potential of these materials as biodegradable alternatives to traditional water-soluble polymer additives in the cosmetic industry will be explored, taking advantage of our collaboration with this industry.

In the second part of the project, the PhD student will synthesise new cyclopolyamides (cyclopolypeptides) with a helical structure and study their assembly into secondary structures. These collagen mimics have potential use in tissue engineering. "