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College of Liberal Arts and Sciences University of Florida
Faculty Member UF Department of Chemistry

UF Department of Chemistry

Leigh Hall 318

352-339-1662

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Kenneth B. Wagener

Butler Professor Emeritus

Research Focus

The Wagener group, having pioneered ADMET polymerization chemistry which generates precision functionalized polymers, has turned its attention to creating sustainable, recyclable polyethylene, the largest volume plastic in use today. We do so by examining precision structure/property relationships, identifying cost effective metathesis catalysts, and probing semicrystalline behavior. Certain precisely placed functional groups increase the melting point of polyethylene, thus broadening potential application opportunities.

We continue to use Grubbs’ well defined ruthenium catalysts, Schrock’s molybdenum structures, and now a series of niobium catalysts which appear to offer several advantages. A study of niobium reactivity under typical polycondensation conditions is in progress.

Education and Training

1973–1984: Industrial Research Training in Medical Membranes, AkzoNobel nv, Asheville, NC. Also Evening Instruction Training at UNC/Asheville

1968–1973: Ph.D. Organic and Polymer Chemistry, University of Florida (lab of George Butler)

1964–1968: B.S. Chemistry, Mathematics minor, Clemson University

Selected Awards

S. Dexter Squibb Distinguished Lectures, UNC/Asheville (2025)

American Chemical Society Award in Polymer Chemistry (2021) 

Paul J. Flory Polymer Education Award (2016)

Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research Award, Mainz Germany (2009)

Alexander von Humboldt Senior Research Prize (2007)

Selected Activities

Primary Organizer (along with Prof. John Reynolds), George & Josephine Butler Polymer Research Laboratory in the Department of Chemistry, University of Florida (1995)

Board of Directors, Thomas & Howard Company, Columbia, SC (1992–2010)

Co-Organizer, American Chemical Society’s Advances in Polyolefins Biennial Meeting held in California (2015–present)

Selected Publications

More than 300 publications, 66 patents.

H. Sun, S. Gutter, K. Treaster, J. Marquez, B. Sumerlin, K. B. Wagener. Increasingly Threaded Polypseudorotaxanes with Reduced Enthalpies of Melting. Polymer Chem. 2025, 16, 112–116.

J. Pribyl, K. B. Wagener, G. Rojas. ADMET Polymers: Synthesis, Structure Elucidation, and Function. Materials Chem. Front. 2021, 5, 14–43.

K. Novak, V. Enkelmann, W. Kohler, G. Wegner, K. B. Wagener. Homogeneous Photodimerization and Thermal Back Reaction of a Styrylpyrylium Triflate. Molecular Crystals and Liquid Crystals Science and Technology. Section A. Molecular Crystals and Liquic Crystals. 1994, 242, 1–8.