Industry/University Cooperative Research: Polyurethane and Polyurea Reaction Injection Molding

反应注射成型(RIM)是一种快速生产大型轻质塑料件的工艺，用于汽车和飞机等零部件。低粘度液体反应物(单体)混合并注射到模具中，在那里它们到达并形成固体交联聚合物产品。两股进料流以高速相互碰撞，从而实现良好的混合。反应以本体共聚的形式进行，得到嵌段嵌段共聚物。这项拟议的研究旨在阐明RIM涉及的基础化学和物理。PIs计划分六个阶段进行他们的工作：(1)模化充填和固化步骤；(2)研究聚脲和聚氨酯的化学；(3)在模子中观察相分离在聚合过程中的作用；(4)研究模内混合的影响；(5)获得形态测量；(6)研究了氮气注入RIM过程中气泡的运动和生长过程。总体目标是为RIM流程构建一个模型。在成型周期中，共聚物必须生长成长链，并将硬相和软相分离。本项目的工作是对流动混合、反应和传热系统中聚合动力学和相分离动力学的结合进行分析。PI都是非常受人尊敬的，他们的实验室是全国最好的实验室之一。与业界的合作提供了极好的投入，有助于保持项目的目标在正确的方向上。86财年工业大学合作研究助学金建议为154,682美元，87财年为174,038美元，88财年为164,000美元。

Reaction injection molding (RIM) is a rapid process for producing large light weight plastic parts that are used for automobile and airplane parts among others. Low viscosity liquid reactants (monomers) are mixed and injected into a mold where they reach and form a solid crosslinked polymer product. The two feed streams impinge on each other at high velocity and thus achieve good mixing. Reaction proceeds as bulk copolymerization resulting in segmented block copolyers. The proposed research is aimed at elucidating the fundamental chemistry and physics involved in RIM. The PIs plan to carry out their work in six stages: (1) Model the mold filling and curing steps; (2) Study the chemistry of polyureas and polyurethanes; (3) Look at the role of phase separation during polymerization in the mold; (4) Study the effects of mixing in the mold (5) Obtain morphology measurements; and (6) Study the bubble motion and growth process in RIM due to injected nitrogen gas. The overall goal is to build a model for the RIM process. During the molding cycle the copolymers must grow into long chains and segregate nto hard and soft phases. The work in this project is the analysis of the combination of polymerization kinetics and phase separation dynamics within a flowing mixing, reacting and heat transferring system. The PIs are all very highly thought of and their laboratory is one of the best in the country for this work. The cooperation with industry provides an excellent input to help keep the project aimed in the proper direction. A three year Industry University Cooperative Research Grant is recommended at $154,682 for FY 86, $174,038 for FY 87, and $164,000 for FY 88.