Welcome to Wagener Research Group
Pioneering acyclic diene metathesis (ADMET) polymerization to create precisely structured polymers — advancing the science of polymer synthesis, crystallization, and functional materials. We develop independent-thinking polymer chemists and collaborate broadly with industry and academia worldwide.
The Wagener Research Group focuses on polymer synthesis methodology—both the development of novel polymerization techniques and the investigation of monomer and catalyst structure/reactivity relationships. We synthesize polyolefins designed to be sustainable.
Our mechanistic investigations have led to functionalized unsaturated polymer backbones, well-defined telechelic oligomers, polymer depolymerization for recycling applications, and novel elastomers and biopolymers. We believe in combining academic rigor with industrial collaboration, increasing the odds of putting new chemistry to work in society.
Current Group Members
Our Research Focus
Our group concentrates on polymer synthesis methodology and the development of novel polymerization techniques with real-world applications.
ADMET Polymerization
Acyclic diene metathesis polymerization for creating precisely structured, functionalized unsaturated polymer backbones and well-defined telechelic oligomers.
Precision Polymer Architecture
Synthesis of polyethylene with precisely controlled branch placement, enabling systematic study of structure–property relationships in polyolefins.
Biopolymers & Sustainability
Development of biodegradable materials, amino acid–functionalized polyolefins, and metathesis-based recycling approaches for conventional polymers.
ADMET Demonstrations
Watch acyclic diene metathesis reactions in action with different catalyst systems. Watch ADMET in action using Schrock’s catalyst (18 MB)and Grubbs’ Catalyst (6 MB).
The movies are in AVI format; they can be viewed using Windows Media Player or Quicktime.
Recent News
Ken Wagener Selected for Two Distinguished Lectureships
During the past two years Emeritus Chemistry Professor Ken Wagener has been selected for the S. Dexter Squibb Distinguished Lectureship at UNC/Asheville and the H. Garth Spencer Distinguished Scholar Lectureship at Clemson University.