Elimination of VOC's in the Synthesis and Application of Polymeric Materials Using Atom Transfer Radical Polymerization
EPA Grant Number: R826735Title: Elimination of VOC's in the Synthesis and Application of Polymeric Materials Using Atom Transfer Radical Polymerization
Investigators: Matyjaszewski, Krzysztof
Institution: Carnegie Mellon University
EPA Project Officer: Karn, Barbara
Project Period: October 1, 1998 through September 30, 2001
Project Amount: $330,000
RFA: Technology for a Sustainable Environment (1998)
Research Category: Pollution Prevention/Sustainable Development
Description:
Atom Transfer Radical Polymerization (ATRP) is a new method to prepare well-defined polymers and copolymers using controlled radical polymerization. ATRP is based on the transition metal catalysts which transfer reversibly halogen atoms between active and dormant species. The robustness and efficiency of ATRP is attractive for both industry and academia for preparation of polymeric materials with novel properties for new applications.There are three general objectives for the proposed research. The first one is to design and synthesize new more efficient catalysts. The second one is to extend ATRP to more environmentally friendly media, using either water or bulk monomers (no VOCs). The third one is to prepare new environmentally benign materials such as solventless coatings and recyclable polar thermoplastic elastomers.
Approach:The approach to reach the first objective (more efficient catalysts) will include variation of ligands and metals used for ATRP as well as potential immobilization of the catalyst on solid support. Using more reducing catalytic systems should increase their efficiency and reduced their required amount. Immobilization will facilitate recycling and reclamation of the catalyst.
Bulk polymerization have been already successful for many ATRP systems and will be extended to new monomers. Water-borne ATRP systems require careful choice of the catalyst which should be moisture insensitive and also surfactants and stabilizers for heterogeneous systems. An additional challenge is to apply emulsion conditions for the synthesis of block copolymers and end-functional polymers.
Two systems have been chosen as examples of environmentally benign materials. The first one is solventless coatings based on low viscosity hyperbranched and multifunctional acrylic copolymers. The second system comprises recyclable polar thermoplastic elastomers which will be reversibly physically crosslinked via microphase separation rather than by irreversible chemical vulcanization/crosslinking.
Expected Results:It is anticipated that all three objectives will be reached within the proposed time leading to development of new more efficient catalysts which can be applied to water-borne media and allow the synthesis of new environmentally benign materials. We anticipate that all of these achievements will be subsequently used in academia and industry, benefiting the environment. Publications and Presentations:
Publications have been submitted on this project: View all 46 publications for this project
Journal Articles:Journal Articles have been submitted on this project: View all 23 journal articles for this project
Supplemental Keywords:water, bulk, VOC, heavy metals, solvents, recycling, polymer chemistry. , Sustainable Industry/Business, Scientific Discipline, RFA, Technology for Sustainable Environment, Sustainable Environment, Environmental Chemistry, heavy metals, chemical reaction systems, cleaner production, environmentally-friendly chemical synthesis, Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), catalysts, green chemistry, alternative chemical synthesis, environmentally benign solvents, polymer design, alternative materials, solvent substitute, atom transfer radical polymerization
Relevant Websites:
http://polymer.chem.cmu.edu/
Progress and Final Reports:
1999 Progress Report
2000 Progress Report
Final Report