Chemistry and Materials Science Seminar: Surface Modification of Polyetheretherketone (PEEK) and Poly(butylene succinate) (PBS) with Nitrogen Atoms

Chemistry and Materials Science Seminar
Surface Modification of Polyetheretherketone (PEEK) and Poly(butylene succinate) (PBS) with Nitrogen Atoms

Logan McCurry
Chemistry MS Candidate
Rochester Institute of Technology

Abstract:
Due to the increased interest and need for clean energy, efficiency of proton exchange membrane fuel cells utilizing different or modified polymeric materials is being researched. The polymer polyetheretherketone (PEEK) is often used as a membrane in hydrogen fuel cells where the attraction of protons to the surface is important in increasing the performance of the fuel cell. Surface modification of PEEK is imperative to increasing hydrophilicity of the proton exchange membrane, which is done by employing Argon-induced plasma and N2 molecules, altering the surface chemistry to contain more Carbon-Nitrogen bonds. In addition, because of the increasing concern about environmental problems caused by traditional polymers that are difficult to degrade in the natural environment, sustainable (biodegradable) polymers, like poly(butylene succinate) (PBS) have attracted much attention. Increasing the hydrophilicity of the surface via the same Argon-induced plasma and N2 molecules could lead to an increase in the polymer’s performance and remain biodegradable. Therefore, in this study, surface modification of PEEK and PBS with N atoms will be analyzed using X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS), Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM), and water contact angle (WCA) measurements to detect changes in chemistry, surface roughness, and wettability, respectively.

Speaker Bio:
I am currently a student attending RIT set to graduate from the Chemistry BS/MS program in May 2026. I have a wide range of skills that encompass different types of chemistry as well as an immersion into biology. I have been able to attend RIT as both a Presidential Scholarship holder and Performing Arts Scholar for the entirety of my college education. I have also been named on the Gosnell College of Science Dean's List for both 2021-2022 and 2022-2023. I have worked as a junior medical credentialing specialist at AddVal Inc. since high school, but am looking to pursue a career in the field of chemistry and biology.

Intended Audience:
All are Welcome!

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