Synthesis and Characterization of Melt Stable Polyacrylonitrile Copolymers and Blends

技术总结本研究将为熔融稳定的聚丙烯腈(PAN)共聚物及其与聚环氧乙烷(PEO或PEG)共混物的合成、表征、加工和性能验证提供科学和技术基础。这些系统将首次提供有价值的纤维、薄膜和模制物体，它们将具有熔融制造所提供的无溶剂、环境吸引力。该项目将主要集中在丙烯腈与含离子共聚单体和甲基丙烯酸酯官能化聚氧乙烯大单体齐聚物的经典自由基统计共聚。在DMSO中可以有效地制备出高相对分子质量的聚合物。共聚物和共混物的流变性能将作为温度、时间和剪切速率的函数进行测量，以确认这些体系的热塑性并确定组成极限。非技术性总结该奖项是基于对可持续、环保、先进的高分子材料系统的日益增长的需求，这些材料系统用于高性能薄膜和纤维应用，从能源到包装材料和废水净化系统，以及聚合物基碳复合材料--后者在航空航天、交通运输和风车动力方面具有重要意义。首要任务将是研究可熔融加工并允许极低气体渗透率和熔融纺丝的聚丙烯酸酯纤维的体系。这种材料将为纺织品合成和生产开辟广阔的新前景，而这在美国目前还没有实践。一个主要特点将涉及与菲斯克大学和南卡罗来纳大学北部的少数民族女教授和学生的互动。目标将是培养有才华的、多样化的科学家；将提供暑期实习，让HBCU和四年制学校的教职员工和学生参与，以拓宽学生的视野，远远超出他们自己的研究项目。

TECHNICAL SUMMARYThe research will provide the scientific and technological foundation for the synthesis, characterization, processing, and performance verification of melt-stable, polyacrylonitrile (PAN) copolymers and blends with poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO or PEG). These systems will provide for the first time valuable fibers, films, and molded objects that will have the solvent-free, environmental attractiveness afforded by melt fabrication. The project will largely focus on classical free radical statistical copolymerization of acrylonitrile with ion-containing comonomers and with methacrylate functional poly(ethylene oxide) macromonomer oligomers. They can be efficiently prepared in high molecular weight in DMSO. The rheological properties of the copolymers and blends will be measured as a function of temperature, time, and shear rate to confirm the thermoplastic nature of these systems and to determine compositional limits. NON-TECHNICAL SUMMARYThis award is based upon the growing need for sustainable, environmentally attractive, advanced macromolecular materials systems for high performance film and fiber applications ranging from energy to packaging materials and wastewater purification systems and polymer matrix carbon composites -- the latter of interest for aerospace, transportation, and windmill power. The first priority will be to investigate systems that are melt-processable and permit very low gas permeabilities and melt-spun acrylic fibers. Such materials would open broad new vistas for textile synthesis and production, which is currently not practiced in the Unites States. A major feature will involve interactions with minority women professors and students at Fisk University and at the University of South Carolina Upstate. The goal will be to develop talented diverse scientists; summer internships will be provided involving faculty and students from HBCUs and 4-year schools to broaden students' perspectives well beyond their own research projects.