Small molecules can in a factory be connected to each other to form a long chain: a polymer. This way you can make plastics and rubber. To start this reaction, you need an initiator. This is a compound that splits in two, which allows it to react with a small molecule. The moment the initiator splits in two, there are follow-up reactions where heat and undesirable volatile substances arise. That is why I am looking for new and safe initiators. The first step in this search is to understand the chemical bond in this initiator. I do that by modelling molecules and reactions on the computer. I also look for the mechanism behind my findings. You could compare this to a clock you open up, to see how the cogs turn. If I know why and when a bond breaks, I can apply this knowledge. The goal is ultimately the production of new initiators that lead to a safe and clean production of rubber and plastics.