Measurement and modelling of thermal and UV aging of adhesives for construction applications

该项目使用物理化学工具来研究一种新型食品级合成粘合剂的性能，该粘合剂有望取代建筑行业屋顶应用中的沥青基胶水。为了成为一种有效的替代品，该材料必须能够承受高温，以及夏季到冬季过渡极端地区的大温度波动。此外，粘合剂必须在其经受连续UV暴露的环境中发挥作用。在加速老化研究中，将使用反射红外光，探索聚合物结构的化学性质与温度和紫外线暴露的关系。其目标是预测材料性能改善的机制，了解化学和机械性能之间的关系，并对产品的预期寿命进行建模。这项工作促进了加拿大的研究和制造业，并为培训下一代科学家和工程师提供了机会。

This project uses tools in physical chemistry to study the performance of a new breed of food-grade synthetic adhesive that is poised to replace bitumen-based glues for roofing applications in the construction industry. In order to be an effective alternative, the material must withstand high temperatures, and a large temperature fluctuation in regions where the summer to winter transition is extreme. Furthermore, the adhesive has to perform in an environment where it is subject to continuous UV exposure. Using reflected infrared light, the chemical nature of the polymer structure will be probed as a function of temperature and UV exposure in an accelerated aging study. The goal is to predict the mechanisms by which material performance can be improved, understand the relationship between chemical and mechanical properties, and to model the anticipated lifetime of the product. This work furthers Canadian research and manufacturing industry, and provides opportunity for training the next generation of scientists and engineers.