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Green Composites

One of the main issues with using natural reinforcing fibers is poor adhesion to the matrix.  Through the use of new chemistry, this problem will be alleviated for cellulose and lignin.  Both physical and chemical bonding to a variety of matrices ranging from low polarity, chemically inert (e.g., polyolefins) materials to those bearing highly polar, reactive substituents (e.g., epoxy resins) are feasible.  The potential to tailor some of the physical properties of these natural materials is also a distinct possibility.  Fibers can be derivatized in a manner that allows for a variety of cure types including radiation, heat, or chemical.  Fibers can also be woven and cured into monolithic structures.

New Matrix Materials

Improved adhesion of common matrix materials (e.g., epoxy) to low surface energy substrates (e.g., glass, polyolefins) can be accomplished using new chemistry at our disposal.  Such materials have use not only for composites but also as adhesives in a variety of applications (e.g., construction, electronics). 

Super High Functionality Crosslinkers

These compounds are for the production of strong networks. They can be tailored for use in polyurethanes, polyureas, polyesters, polyamides, and epoxy resins. They can also potentially be cured with peroxides and radiation.

High T Adhesives/Coatings

This chemistry is based in part on a high T polymer that we are familiar with.  The potential for its use as a coating or adhesive with a service T up to the 350 C range is feasible.  The basic technology is readily tailored so that use T and physical properties are somewhat tunable.  This material has the potential to be applied as a high solids mixture and potentially as an aqueous dispersion or emulsion.

New High Preformance Thermoplastic Resins

One of the drawbacks to high performance thermoplastics as matrix materials is their high melt viscosity.  We have intellectual property relating to new thermoplastic resins with low melt viscosities that are easy to process but have physical properties similar to PEEK, PPS, etc.

Boron Fibers

It has come to our attention that we may have a solution to the production of boron fibers that does not require substrates such as tungsten.

New Methods for Processing Chitosan

This biomaterial is very difficult to solvate. A number of approaches are suggested for its efficient dissolution into media that allow for further derivatization. This allows for the incorporation of this material into new polymeric materials.

Process for Recycling Spent SBR (Tires)

We recommend a number of treatments that allow for the conversion of rubber scrap from pneumatic tires into useful chemical intermediates.

Star Polymer Viscosity Modifiers for Lube Oils

Most approaches to the production of star polymers used in lubricating oils rely on cumbersome living ionic polymerizations (e.g., anionic polymerization). A new method is proposed that will allow for the highly and low cost synthesis of such materials based on polymers such as low molecular weight grades of polyisobutene and polyethylene.

Solid Rocket Motor Binders

A number of new polymeric materials are recommended as binders for solid propellants such as ammonium perchlorate. Some of these materials have tailorable burn profiles, low T flexibility, etc. Both thermoplastic and thermosetting binders are possible.

Tackifiers for High Performance Tires

Polymeric additives that provide better wet traction of pneumatic tires are suggested. Some of this materials have dual function and are compatibilizing agents for fillers commonly used as reinforcing agents.

New Shear Thickening Materials

While technically not polymers these materials have a host of possible uses. Some of them could, under shear, form highly rigid structures, others could simply form small spheroids that are capable of undergoing flow.

α,ω-Di-hydroxy or Olefinic PIBs by Non-living Polymerization

We propose a number of strategies for the production of these polymers using non-living techniques so that they are cost-effective for industrial production.

Elastomeric Polyamides

A new elastomer made by condensation polymerization is suggested. The amide functionality is believed to be capable of providing benefits in terms of improved physical properties and resistance to oxidation.

New Methods for the Production of Kevlar®

We propose a catalyzed method for the production of this high performance polymer.

Hyperbranched Elastomers

A series of simple functionalizations allow for the production of hyperbranched, uncrosslinked elastomers that can then be vulcanized. These materials have many potential uses for belts, tires, hoses, gloves, etc.

Star Polymers

We have a large number of various strategies for the production of a number of star polymers, primarily of rubbery polymers.

New Thermoplastic Elastomers

Several methodologies for the production of a diverse array of thermoplastic elastomers have been collected. Such materials have many applications such as handles for tools, toothbrushes, combs, knives, etc. in the soles of shoes, adhesives, and many more.

Silicon Derivatized PIBs

Silicon derivatized polyisobutene is feasible through a new form of acid induced polymerization. The potential to make α,ω-di-functional polymers is possible.

Heat Stabilized PVC

A one step reaction is proposed to improve the heat stability of PVC.

Efficient Conversion of Endo-Olefinic PIBs to PIB Succinimides

The less desirable endo-olefinic functionalized PIBs are convertible into valuable PIB succinimides by novel chemistry for use in motor oil additives.

New Initiators for the Pseudo-living Polymerization of Cyclic Siloxanes

A number of compounds are believed to have potential for the pseudo-living polymerization of siloxanes for the production of well-defined polysiloxanes.

New Living Ionic Polymerizations

A large number of methodologies for effecting the living polymerization of olefins are available for exploration. Systems that propagate by both cationic and anion mechanisms are possible. This chemistry is potentially useful for the production of designed polymers for a large variety of uses.

New Solid Catalysts for the Manufacture of Stereoregular Poly(vinyl ethers)

New, low cost heterogeneous initiators for the production of stereoregular poly(vinyl ethers) are a distinct reality. These are based upon sound methods that have literature precedent.

Non-Platinum Catalysts for Hydrosilation

Catalysts for effecting hydrosilation are generally based on expensive metal complexes (e.g., Karstedt’s Catalyst). Our proposed approach involves the use of materials based upon common elements. This new catalysts have the potential to be used in other applications as well.

Hydrocarbon Soluble Aluminum Chloride

We have developed a new method that allows for the solubilization of aluminum chloride to high concentrations in low polarity solvents such as hexane. By changing the processing parameters it is possible to fine tune the activity of such solutions. This process can be considered patent pending and we will be advertising it for sale soon.

New Highly Reactive Olefins from Renewable Precursors

A large number of renewable compounds (e.g., spearmint oil, cinnaldehyde) can be readily transformed into new monomers that have potential use in a number of applications including high performance coatings and composites.

Novel Methods for Recapture of Spent Lewis Acids

Lewis acids such as aluminum chloride are used industrially for a number of organic transformations including Friedel-Crafts alkylations, isomerization, and cracking (to name a few). In general, these acid catalysts are not readily recovered from the reaction mixture. We propose a number of novel approaches for recapture and recycling of such catalysts.

Hydrolytically Stable Solids Acids for Production of Biodiesel

The production of fatty acid esters commonly employed as biodiesel can be conducted using a new solid acid. This material is highly recyclable and does not undergo decomposition when immersed in water.

New Super Lewis Acids

Structures for very hot, highly active Lewis acids are provided. The bulk are readily obtained by 1 step reactions.

New Production Methods for Alkylaluminoxanes

These compounds are common activators for single site catalysts used in coordination polymerization. They are dangerous to make, typically involving the direct hydrolysis of trialkylaluminum compounds. We proposal a number of different approaches that reduce the hazards while being cost-effective.

Under Construction