For further information, contact
Dr. Gerard Caneba at 906-487-2051 or e-mail: [email protected].
CONTROLLING POLYMER REACTIONS PAVES WAY FOR NEW PRODUCTS
HOUGHTON, MI--A researcher at Michigan Technological University has found a way to control polymer reactions and permit scientists to create tailor-made polymeric materials with unique properties. The development could facilitate the manufacture of valuable new commercial products.
Polymers are formed when chemical compounds combine with one another in a process called polymerization to form larger molecules, according to Dr. Gerard Caneba of Michigan Tech's Department of Chemical Engineering.
"We've been studying chain-reaction polymerization systems, which are prone to a runaway situation called the Gel Effect," says Caneba. "This happens when increasing temperatures cause the chemical reaction to go out of control, usually rendering the end product useless. We found that by adding a type of dilutent we can slow the reaction, gain control of the polymerization process and control the properties of specific polymer products. This allows us to engineer certain polymers to have unique and desirable properties. From a process standpoint, it allows higher-yield production of polymeric materials normally made in solution."
This method can be used, says Caneba, to make a generic class of polymers called block copolymers, which combine the qualities of select chemical and physical properties. "It is the only process that can make acrylic and methacrylic copolymers in an aqueous environment," he says, "and products could be free of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that are always an environmental concern."
The process has several potential applications.
"We've been able to make a really good, tough varnish that is comparable to polyurethane, but is three or four times less expensive and is resistant to ultraviolet rays," says Caneba. "The process could also be used to produce coatings, paints, adhesives, polystyrene molding, medical implants, diagnostic devices, and thermo plastic rubber. Just recently we have seen the all-solid properties of our no-VOC interior paint approach and even exceed those of VOC-laden commercial counterparts.
"The knowledge that will be gained from this work could lead to the commercial development of products that will promote pollution prevention and upgrade the quality of peoples' lives."
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