SBIR-STTR Award

Our proposal describes a Phase I commercialization research plan to provide linear, non-crosslinked polymers via a patented metal-free ring-opening metathesis polymerization (MF-ROMP) technology. Our track record with the MF-ROMP method and preliminary results relevant to the US Army needs indicate that we are uniquely suited to provide linear polymer and copolymers, incorporate polar functional groups, achieve high effective molecular weights, interrogate shelf-life, and provide test plates from molded polymer samples. Our Phase I efforts are organized by the following Research Aims: Aim 1: Production of L-PDCPD and copolymers of DCPD with 50/50 molar ratio of comonomers, in solvent and via a solvent-less protocol; Aim 2: Solvent-less production of test plates; Aim 3: Rheological and mechanical measurements to assess entanglement molecular weights; and Aim 4: Preliminary aging studies on L-PDCPD and copolymer products. Current limitation in traditional ring-opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP) include catalyst sensitivity, catalyst insolubility, inability to preclude or moderate crosslinking during polymerization, and oxidative degradation of the polymer products. Catalyst related issues stem from the metal-based complexes used for ROMP. Our catalyst system is the only known “metal-free” platform for ROMP. Crosslinking, even of highly reactive monomers like dicyclopentadiene, is not observed during our MF-ROMP process. Finally, the proposed aging and shelf-life studies will provide critical foundational knowledge on the processing, handling, and longevity of MF-ROMP products.

We propose Phase II efforts to provide cost effective production of linear polymers and copolymers of DCPD, with significant potential to impact key market segments including composites, ballistic materials, electronics, and semiconductor manufacturing. Our Phase I efforts demonstrated important fundamental capabilities of the centerpiece technology, metal-free ROMP, including scale-up ability, functional group tolerance, and processability of products, including 6” × 6” panels for ballistic testing. This work has positioned us to move toward larger-scale material production and eventual licensing of the technology. We will broaden the scope of functional group incorporation in our (co)polymers, to include polar and surface-active groups into our products. Application specific product demonstrations will be achieved by solvent casting thin films. Additionally, longer-term aging studies (including mitigation of negative aging effects) will allow us to learn about the stability of our products, in raw and processed forms, over months and years.