Advanced polymer colloids from ring opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP) in water

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The use of organic solvents which are VOCs (volatile organic compounds) is common practice in the manufacture of many important and valuable products, including polymers that are used in a variety of industrial applications. This is especially problematic for the polymer industry since more than 5Kg of solvent are typically employed for every Kg of polymer produced. The use of VOCs is likely to be increasingly restricted in coming years. Industry Canada (www.ic.gc.ca/eic/site/plastics-plastiques.nsf/eng/pl01383.html) states that "The provisions of CEPA (Canadian Environmental Protection Act) that are of greatest importance to the plastic products industry are those dealing with volatile organic compounds (VOCs),...", underscoring the importance to the Canadian polymer industry of developing processes that eliminate or reduce the use of VOCs. We will develop a new approach to making polymers using a commercially important type of chemistry known as ROMP (Ring Opening Metathesis Polymerization). In our approach only water will be used in the manufacturing process, thereby eliminating the use of VOCs and providing significant cost savings. There are no existing processes like the one we are proposing. The product will be in the form of a free-flowing dispersion of very small particles (nanoparticles) in water, which can be tailored to have unique properties for use in many advanced applications, including for example, products used in xerographic and printing applications. We will collaborate with Xerox Canada who are leaders in the xerography and printing industries, and have one of the leading chemical research centres in the country with an active program in nanotechnology. The benefits to Canada are exceptional. The polymer industry is a major contributor to the economy, with 76,000 people employed, generating shipments valued at over $16 billion in 2009. Our research will help them address challenges in reducing environmental impact, as well as provide them with highly trained scientists with the skills required to keep the Canadian companies competitive.