Lab-scale batch mixer for the development of high performance multiphase polymer systems

该提案于去年提交，但没有成功，其主要目标是替换1987年获得的非常旧的内部批量混合器。这个装置实际上是我们实验室最常用的处理设备之一（每周35小时）。多年来，它被维护和升级了几次，继续在良好的条件下工作。目前，它不再正常工作（泄漏），并且经常停止使用（电子），限制了按时执行当前项目的可能性，包括聚合物共混物，纳米复合材料，泡沫，混合材料等，以及开发新项目。我们认为它已经完全完成了它的职责，现在是时候在完全关闭之前更换它了，没有其他选择。

The main objective of this proposal, which was already submitted last year without success, is to replace a very old internal batch mixer acquired in 1987. This set-up is actually one of the most used processing equipment in our lab (35 h/week). Over the years, it was maintained and upgraded several times to continue working under good conditions. Presently, it is no longer working correctly (leaks) and is regularly out of service (electronics) limiting the possibility to perform on-time the current projects on polymer blends, nanocomposites, foams, hybrids, etc., as well as to develop new ones. We believe that it has fully accomplished its duties and now is the time to replace it before complete shutdown occurs leaving no other alternatives. The requested equipment is a modular Plasti-Corder Torque Rheometer connected to a Prep Mixer, 304 Stainless Steel Three Section Mixer from C.W. Brabender instruments. The set-up includes three rotors/blades configurations (rollers, cams and Banbury) for a wide range of processing conditions needed for our research projects on thermoplastics and elastomers. It also has a larger mixing chamber (350-420 cm3) to prepare higher amount of materials and be closer to more industrial conditions compared to our old equipment (only one set of rotors and 40 cm3) Since both applicants (F. Mighri and D. Rodrigue) are unifying their efforts to build a common laboratory space (processing, rheology and characterization), the proposed equipment will help in building this research area and attracting the best students and postdoctoral fellows to work on more challenging projects, thus enhancing the quality of their training. The equipment will also be accessible to students from other departments and universities in need of this processing tool.