Michael Conrad, B.Sc., M.A.Sc.
mike.conrad@utoronto.ca
Project Bio
Fluorosilicones are prone to depolymerization at elevated temperatures. To prevent this, fluorinated groups have been incorporated in the polymer backbone. I am synthesizing a hybrid fluorosilicone that should prevent depolymerization of the siloxane backbone and exhibit higher thermal stability than those currently available. Applications include in aeropace, computer chip manufacture and membrane and separation technologies.
Tough fluoropolymers contain hydrogen atoms in the backbone structure. However, the replacement of fluorine by hydrogen leads to decreased chemical resistance and lower operating temperatures. Therefore, a polymer structure that increases the toughness of fluoropolymers while maintaining both the chemical resistence and high operating temperatures is desirable. A novel fluorosilicone with a fluorinated backbone and pendant siloxane moiety should accomplish this.
Employment and Education
B.Sc. in Engineering Chemistry
Queen's University at Kingston, 1999
M.A.Sc. in Metals and Materials Engineering
University of British Columbia, 2002
Research Associate
Centre for Automotive Materials and Manufacturing,
Novmeber 2002 - July 2003
Awards
OGS Scholarship
Colin Hahnemann Bayley Fellowship
