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Market Overview

There is a growing need for polymers in various applications such as drug delivery, product coatings, adhesives, and even semiconductors. The overall market for controlled radical polymerization products has been estimated to be worth roughly $20 billion. However, this expanding market needs solutions for long-standing issues including polymer processing times, material costs, and other manufacturing parameters. Clemson University researchers have developed a novel method of polymer synthesis to address these challenges. This approach has been shown to reduce processing times by creating a single step procedure, and can eliminate the use of surfactants in emulsion polymerization. Additionally, this technology produces ultra-high molecular weight block polymers that are unachievable by traditional methods. Such advancements allow for easier and more cost efficient production of block polymers from a manufacturing perspective.

Applications:

Latex paints, Coatings, Fluorocopolymers, Injection molding

Technical Summary:

This copolymer synthesis method allows for single-step synthesis of amphiphilic block copolymers without the need of surfactants. The polymerization initially involves the formation of water-soluble homopolymer blocks, followed by copolymerization of a hydrophobic monomer. This results in ultra-high molecular weight polymers controlled by heterogeneous reaction conditions and a continuous supply of initiator. These heterogeneous reaction conditions allow for phase separation of hydrophilic and hydrophobic monomers to facilitate more efficient polymerization under the initiator-starvation conditions. Through phase-separated synthesis, Clemson researchers have been able to create various colloidal nanoparticles that comprise ultra-high molecular weight polymers.

Advantages:

  • Provides a single-step synthesis procedure, reducing reaction times required from several hours or days to under one hour.
  • Surfactant-free polymerization reduces the need for materials, minimizing processing costs.
  • Ultra-High Molecular Weight (UHMW) copolymers can be synthesized, forming phase-separated morphologies for a broad range of applications.

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Technology Overview

State of Development

Preliminary prototype

Patent Type

Provisional

Category

Advanced Materials

Serial Number

62/420,221

CURF Reference No.

2016-015

Inventors

Dr. Marek W. Urban


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