Cure-on Demand ("Snap Cure) Polymerization
We are developing cure-on demand systems that can be one-pot formulations with long shelf lives based on two approaches.
I. Microencapsulation of initiators for polymerization
McFarland, B.; Popwell, S.; Pojman, J. A. "Free-Radical Frontal Polymerization with a Microencapsulated Initiator," Macromolecules 2004, 37, 6670 - 6672.
McFarland, B.; Popwell, S.; Pojman, J. A. "Free-Radical Frontal Polymerization with a Microencapsulated Initiator: Characterization of Microcapsules and Their Effect on Pot Life, Front Velocity and Mechanical Properties," Macromolecules 2006, 39, 53-63.
Bounds, C.; Pojman, J. A. “Frontal Polymerization
with Encapsulated Initiators Prepared by Several Methods,” Polymer
Preprints (Division of Polymer Chemistry, American Chemical Society), 2008
Bounds, C.; Goetter, R.; Pojman, J. A.; Vandersall, M. "Microencapsulation
for Cure-on-Demand and Controlled Release Applications Using Novel Thiol-Acrylate
Chemistry," Polym. Mater: Sci. & Engin. 2009, 100, 391-392.
Bounds, C.; Goetter, R.; Pojman, J. A.; Vandersall, M. "Microencapsulation of a Peroxide to Increase the Shelf Life of an Unsaturated Polyester for Electrical Insulating Applications," Polym. Mater. Sci. & Engin. 2009, 100, 384-385.
Frontal polymerization allows cure-on demand for rapid repair of holes in wood, floors and dry wall. The hole can be filled with the putty, which has a shelf life of months to years,
Possible applications:
Cure-on demand mortar: Click for quicktime movie
Cure-on demand wood repair: Click for quicktime movie
Cure-on demand dry wall repair: Click for quicktime movie
Cure-demand structure adhesive for model rockets: Click for a quicktime movie
Successful launch of rocket with putty: Click for a quicktime movie
Patents Pending
Free-radical frontal polymerization with microencapsulated monomers and initiators
Autoclaveless curing of epoxy resins can also be performed:
Chekanov, Y.; Arrington, D.; Brust, G.; Pojman, J. A. "Frontal Curing of Epoxy Resin: Comparison of Mechanical and Thermal Properties to Batch Cured Materials," J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 1997, 66, 1209-1216.
Scognamillo, S.; Bounds, C.; Luger, M.; Mariani, A.; Pojman, J. A. "Frontal Cationic Curing of Epoxy Resins," J. Polym. Sci. Part A: Polym. Chem. 2010, 48, 2000-2005.