Christian Bailly (bailly@remove-this.poly.ucl.ac.be)

Macromolecular architecture has a strong influence on their rheological behavior. Our group aims at understanding their relationship, and thus designing model architectures suitable for desired applications. Controlled polymer architectures such as star, branched, dumbbell and linear polymers are synthesized by a combination of polymerization techniques. Deformation behavior of these polymers in solutions and melts is examined during shear and extensional flows. Our objective is to obtain enhanced rheology modifying efficiencies during applications such as extrusion, turbulent drag reduction, spray coating, etc.

In addition, we are involved with problems relating to polymerization processes. The emphasis is on elimination/reduction of diffusional limitations often encountered in commercially important reactions involving polymers. We do this through creative use of (friendly) solvents and reactor design.