Polydicyclopentadiene (PDCPD) is a tough, heavily crosslinked thermoset polymer. An extensive network of crosslinks gives PDCPD a very high impact resistance, good resistance to chemical corrosion, and a high heat deflection temperature. University of Victoria (UVic) recently achieved the creation of the first functionalized polydicyclopentadiene (f-PDCPD) that does not give up the robust thermal stability that makes PDCPD so useful. Poly V Technology has been launched to translate this novel functionalized polymer to a commercial setting.

The project will entail the production and characterization of hydrogen silsesquioxane (HSQ), a useful material for both lithography and production of silicon nanomaterials. This material is the workhorse for Applied Quantum Materials Inc. (AQM), as it is one of their central products that they supply to the e-beam lithography industry as well as the precursor for their silicon nanomaterials.

The methods for screening complex biological samples found wide application in pharmaceutics, forensic science and medical science. The majority of these methods involve several analytical techniques coupled together in order to maximize the efficiency of the analysis. For example, the combination of Capillary Electrophoresis (CE) with Mass Spectrometry (MS) creates a new analytical platform (CE-MS) that utilizes the separation power of CE and superior detection abilities of MS.

The project aims to address the issue of the lack of access to basic blood tests in a majority of the world’s population. We will explore the potential of Raman spectroscopy to provide a reagent-less alternative to traditional clinical chemistry methods. By proving that Raman spectroscopy, in conjunction with advanced machine learning, is able to quantitate critical yet low-concentration analytes, it is possible to develop a purpose-built, commercial, reagent-less clinical chemistry analyzer platform providing critical insight into the health of patients in low resource settings.

Efforts to sequester atmospheric carbon in soil require effective monitoring methods. Soil water content confounds the conventional application of infrared absorption. Raman spectroscopy contends well with water, but suffers from the overwhelming fluorescence typically encountered in the analysis of soil samples. Here we propose to combine an modulated two-colour illumination scheme with antiphase lock-in detection that will serve to suppress fluorescent backgrounds and uncover Raman signatures of organic substances captured in soils.

Corrosion is the destructive attack of a metal by a chemical or electrochemical reaction with its environment. Corrosion of industrial and mechanical infrastructure causes severe economic losses. Canadian corrosion-related expenses amount to $41 Billion CAD annually. The extensive oil and gas pipeline networks in Canada require approx. $1 Billion CAD annually for replacement and/or maintenance. Catastrophic, corrosion-related accidents in the pipeline sector pose a severe threat to the environment, property, and human life.

The Loony is a symbol, recognized by all Canadians. While it looks golden, the Royal Canadian Mint is producing its yellow color with an alloy coating on the coin surface. Yellow bronze is a hard and esthetically pleasing material that can be used as a coating for such coins. Internationally, yellow bronze coatings are predominantly produced from cyanide-based electroplating baths. This comes with significant risks to workers and the environment, regulatory restrictions and costs for waste treatment.

In 2021, over 2.2 billion doses of lipid nanoparticles containing mRNA are to be produced. The world’s largest vaccination campaign for a truly devastating pandemic was initiated as a result of technology developed by the principles in this application. RNA-based vaccines have been the fastest vaccines to be ever developed, with some of the highest efficiencies reported. In order for mRNA to exert its function, it needs a delivery system to take it from outside to the inside of a cell.

The proposed research will develop cost-effective substrates for application in Surface Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy. The substrates will be made using self-assembly methods for nanomaterials in aqueous medium
and a final step of simple filtration. The nanoscale material will provide high sensitivity as a SERS substrate for detection of specific chemicals and microbes.

This project aims to validate and explore the application of tailored polymeric materials developed in the department of chemistry at Memorial University of Newfoundland (MUN) for chemical analysis. The main application of such material is in the sample preparation and reducing the workload in laboratories. The materials will be used to treat the various samples such as water (i.e., drinking, river, and sea water) food, and biological samples.