Polymer adsorbents: a breakthrough for polymer processing? (EPC.7057)

Project nummer: epc7057

Omschrijving van het onderzoek

Recently we found in our laboratory that by using only a minute amount, less than 1%, of specific nano-sized silica additives, the melt viscosity of polymers could be lowered dramatically, up to two decades. At this point, we have no sound scientific explanation for this intriguing phenomenon but we expect that this effect is related to absorption of the high molecular weight tail of the polymer(s) on the surface of silica particles.
The consequence of this lowered melt viscosity could be a breakthrough in the world of synthetic polymers. It is advantageous for injection molding operations: lower injection and holding pressures and times are required or, alternatively, the processing temperature can be lowered to prevent degradation without sacrificing on, but even improving, properties. The easier flowability is beneficial for the production of thin-walled products. This is important for the electric & electronics industry in e.g. the production of connectors or products with complex geometries comprising both thin and thick sections, which are now dealt with using gas-assisted injection molding.
Finally, the lowering of melt viscosity opens the possibility to process higher molecular weight polymers which are currently solution processed.
The technological consequences could be enormous, but cannot predicted at this point in time. More research is needed. From a scientific point of view, the effect of lowering the melt viscosity with nano-sized particles is, in our opinion, the first true “nano-effect” observed in the area of synthetic polymers.

Gebruikers

Er zijn zes bedrijven bij dit project betrokken.

Projectleider

Dr.ir. J.G.P. Goossens

Technische Universiteit Eindhoven
Scheikundige Technologie
Kunststoftechnologie

Postbus 513
5600 MB Eindhoven

Status van het project

Gestart	: 01-12-2005
Einddatum	: 01-12-2010

Trefwoorden

Materialen, Nanoparticles, Nanotechnologie, Phase separation, Polymeer chemie, Polymeertechnologie, Polymeren, Reologie.

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