PFI:AIR-TT: Technology for the Production of Polyamides With Bio-Enabled Properties

这个PFI: AIR技术翻译项目专注于将聚合物材料研究转化为基于可再生原材料的更高价值、更高性能的尼龙产品。这些材料的发展很重要，因为具有可调化学和机械性能的生物基尼龙在汽车和包装工业中是非常需要的。该项目将产生一种原型聚酰胺材料，该材料将通过使用3-己烯二酸（3HDA）（一种生物衍生的不饱和二酸单体）来引入所需的性能。这种材料具有以下独特的特点：高模量，冲击强度，柔韧性，耐溶剂性增强，疏水性可调。与市场上领先的聚酰胺相比，这些特性提供了诸如更大的操作窗口和获得新性能等优势。该项目解决了以下技术差距，因为它从研究发现转化为商业应用。3HDA嵌入聚合物结构时的化学性质需要进一步研究，以确定和实施有效的交联和衍生化技术。此外，还需要研究3HDA浓度、交联剂或衍生化剂的性质、聚合和固化条件等变量。需要了解这些变量对平均分子量、多分散性、熔融温度和机械性能的影响，以达到对高性能塑料的预期控制水平。此外，参与该项目的人员，包括一名研究生和一名博士后研究员，将通过开发满足潜在客户需求的功能原型，并催化与潜在工业合作伙伴的讨论，获得创新和技术翻译经验。该项目由工业创新与伙伴关系部和工程教育与中心部联合资助；反映了这个项目与两个部门的各自目标及其计划的一致性。

This PFI: AIR Technology Translation project focuses on translating polymeric materials research into the creation of higher value, higher performance nylons based on renewable raw materials. The development of these materials is important because bio-based nylons with tunable chemical and mechanical properties are highly desired in the automotive and packaging industries. The project will result in a prototype polyamide material for which the desired properties will be introduced through the use of 3-hexenedioic acid (3HDA), a bio-derived unsaturated diacid monomer. This material has the following unique features: elevated modulus, impact strength, flexibility, increased solvent resistance, and tunable hydrophobicity. These features provide advantages such as a larger window of operation and access to new properties when compared to the leading polyamides in the market place. This project addresses the following technological gaps as it translates from research discovery toward commercial application. The chemistry of 3HDA when embedded in a polymeric structure needs to be further studied in order to identify and implement efficient cross-linking and derivatization techniques. In addition, variables such as 3HDA concentration, nature of the cross-linker or derivatization agent, and polymerization and curing conditions need to be investigated. The impact of these variables on average molecular weight, polydispersity, melting temperature, and mechanical properties needs to be understood to achieve the level of control expected for performance plastics.In addition, personnel involved in this project, including one graduate student and one postdoctoral researcher, will receive innovation and technology translation experiences through developing a functional prototype that meets the needs of potential customers and catalyzes discussions with potential industrial partners.This project is jointly funded by the Division of Industrial Innovation and Partnerships and the Division of Engineering Education and Centers; reflecting the alignment of this project with the respective goals of the two divisions and their programs.