The development and ultimately commercialisation of a new industrial process for sustainable polymer manufacturing

虽然仍然主要关注（但不限于）缩聚反应，但该项目旨在了解微波辅助聚合反应的可扩展性，用于合成高性能涂料行业应用的聚合物材料。这可能包括在无溶剂环境（即融合过程）中探索缩聚反应，这与以前的学生和该组内的IAA项目的重点一致。此外，该项目可能包括通过合适的溶剂辅助共沸缩聚过程的探索。这将包括探索“目标材料”的合成;聚酯、聚酰胺、聚酯酰胺、聚氨酯和醇酸树脂材料，通过这两种工艺中的一种或两种。缩聚物批量加工的重大挑战之一是监控反应进程和官能团转化。学生还将探索通过在线介电监测等技术在线监测反应过程的技术。

Whilst still focussing primarily (but not exclusively) on polycondensation reactions this project will aim to understand the scalability of microwave assisted polymerisation reactions for the synthesis of polymeric materials for applications in the Performance Coatings industry. This could include the exploration of polycondensation reactions in a solvent free environment (i.e. a fusion process) in-line with the focus of a previous studentship and the IAA project within this group. Additionally this project is likely to include the exploration of azeotropic polycondensation processes assisted via a suitable solvent. This will include exploration into the synthesis of 'Target Materials'; polyester, polyamide, polyesteramide, polyurethane and alkyd materials, via either or both of these processes.One of the significant challenges of bulk processing of condensation polymers is monitoring of reaction progress and conversion of functional groups. The student will also explore techniques for in-line monitoring of reaction process, via techniques such as in-line dielectric monitoring.