Processable Polymers and Polymer Foams Made Without Organic Solvents

PRODUCT OPPORTUNITIES

• Processable polymers made without use of hazardous or harsh organic solvents
• Polymers having unique physical and chemical properties
• Closed cell or open cell polymer foams
• Polymers containing water-soluble polar additives

PRODUCT OPPORTUNITIES

COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGES

• Avoid high costs and safety hazards of using toxic organic solvents
• Make products that can be advertised as "environmentally friendly," "free of toxic solvents"
• Easily remain in compliance with state and federal environmental laws, even when they become more strict
• Make unique polymers and polymer foams that cannot be made using other methods
• Can process many polymers at temperatures well below their conventional melting point (some cases as much as 70 °C)

TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION

The Organic Solvent Problem: Making polymers amenable to mechanical processing usually requires the use of hazardous or harsh organic solvents.  The same is true for making polymer foams.  Such uses of organic solvents require complex and expensive air handling equipment, may expose plant workers to potentially toxic fumes, and great care must be taken to prevent fires and explosions.  Moreover, as state and federal regulations on environmental emissions of organic solvents get increasingly strict, complex means must be used to recapture fumes and vapors.  In addition, as consumers become increasingly concerned about environmental pollution, the continued use of solvents in manufacturing may drive customers to alternate products.

This Invention Avoids the Solvent Problem Completely: By processing polymers with superheated fluids such as water or ethanol, and/or supercritical fluids such as carbon dioxide or nitrogen, polymers can be rendered suitable for mechanical processing, and polymer foams can be made, without the use of hazardous or harsh organic solvents. 

New Polar Additives are Possible: Water soluble additives, including highly polar ones, can be added since they are soluble in the aqueous or water-miscible superheated liquid. Improved particle dispersion can be achieved through the use of superheated liquids as processing aids.

ABOUT THE LEAD INVENTOR

Dr. Alan Lesser is a Professor in the Department of Polymer Science and Engineering at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, and an expert in the research areas of deformation, fracture, strength and durability of polymers and composites.

AVAILABILITY:

Available for Licensing and/or Sponsored Research

DOCKETS:

UMA 15-031 and UMA 15-032

PATENT STATUS:

Patent Issued

NON-CONFIDENTIAL INVENTION DISCLOSURE

LEAD INVENTOR:

Alan Lesser, Ph.D.

CONTACT:

The Organic Solvent Problem: Making polymers amenable to mechanical processing usually requires the use of hazardous or harsh organic solvents.  The same is true for making polymer foams.  Such uses of organic solvents require complex and expensive air handling equipment, may expose plant workers to potentially toxic fumes, and great care must be taken to prevent fires and explosions.  Moreover, as state and federal regulations on environmental emissions of organic solvents get increasingly strict, complex means must be used to recapture fumes and vapors.  In addition, as consumers become increasingly concerned about environmental pollution, the continued use of solvents in manufacturing may drive customers to alternate products.

This Invention Avoids the Solvent Problem Completely: By processing polymers with superheated fluids such as water or ethanol, and/or supercritical fluids such as carbon dioxide or nitrogen, polymers can be rendered suitable for mechanical processing, and polymer foams can be made, without the use of hazardous or harsh organic solvents. 

New Polar Additives are Possible: Water soluble additives, including highly polar ones, can be added since they are soluble in the aqueous or water-miscible superheated liquid. Improved particle dispersion can be achieved through the use of superheated liquids as processing aids.