2nd SUSPOL-EJD SCHOOL: Organocatalysis and Sustainable Polymers – A Tutorial Update
 

2nd SUSPOL-EJD SCHOOL: Organocatalysis and Sustainable Polymers – A Tutorial Update

Brussels, 12-13 of September 2016 


Organocatalysis has become a very impressive tool for macromolecular chemistry, as judged by the number of articles published in this field in the last years. A variety of small organic molecules have been used in order to catalyze the polymerization of different monomers. Not only can organocatalysts be employed to promote the ring-opening polymerization of various heterocyclics (e.g. lactones, lactide, cyclic carbonates, epoxides, lactams, cyclocarbosiloxanes), but also to promote the polymerization of vinylic monomers such as (meth)acrylics, or triggering the step-growth polymerization of monomers such as ethylene terephthalate. A key reason for transitioning to organocatalysts is their reduced toxicity in comparison to their metallic counterparts and their ability to be effectively removed from resultant polymers facilitating their recyclability. In that context, polymer scientists and chemical companies have recently dedicated significant efforts into fundamental research on the utilization of organocatalysis into sustainable processes. 

Along these lines, this school about organocatalysis and sustainable polymers will aim at excellence in developing high quality training for doctoral students and post-doctoral researchers, who are the future leaders in the area of Sustainable Organocatalysis and Polymers. In this school that will be held in Brussels between the 12 and the 13 of September of 2016, 17 worldwide experts will give a talk related to sustainable polymerization processes. Speakers both from academia and industry will give a nice overview about green aspects related to the production of different types of polymers, about how to transition from petroleum based materials to renewable resources based materials and about how to move from organic solvent based processes to organic solvent free processes. This school will give to researchers an ideal scenario to learn the new trends related to sustainable polymers and organocatalysis and to train the future worldwide leaders in sustainable polymerization processes. 
 

Prof. David Mecerreyes
Prof. Daniel Taton
Prof. Andrew Dove
Dr. Haritz Sardon
Dr. Olivier Coulembier