Characterisation of Novel Polymers from Terpenes
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Nottingham
Department Name: Faculty of Engineering
Abstract
The aim of the research is to study a new family of polymeric materials synthesised from Terpenes - molecules present in citrus and other waste. The student will carry out the first characterisation of totally new plastic materials made from renewable sources, and will help to identify and shape possible markets and applications. The student will work in a multidisciplinary environment in collaboration with other PhD and postdoctoral researchers in engineering and chemistry, on the characterisation and the development of experimental techniques for small scale polymer samples, including mechanical, thermal and rheological properties. Materials will be synthesised by collaborators from the Chemistry department in small batches prior to scale-up. By understanding some of the structure-property relationships, feedback can be provided to the synthesis to help to develop better and more targeted materials for specific applications. The project will help to establish Nottingham as a centre of expertise in the development of new polymers. It has direct relevance to two of the Global Research Themes: Sustainable Societies (Industrial Biotechnology) and the Transformative Technologies (Advanced Molecular Materials).
Organisations
Studentship Projects
| Project Reference | Relationship | Related To | Start | End | Student Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EP/N50970X/1 | 01/10/2016 | 30/09/2021 | |||
| 1935916 | Studentship | EP/N50970X/1 | 01/10/2017 | 17/03/2021 | Matthew Elsmore |
| Description | For the purpose of characterising processing and mechanical properties using pre-scale up sample masses, the influence of specimen size on rheological and flexural results has been evaluated for a typical thermoplastic (polystyrene), highlighting changes in measurement resolution, device usage envelopes and tolerances. Homopolymers from alpha pinene, beta-pinene, isobornyl and nopinyl have been characterised using a variety of techniques providing some structure-property understanding. Novel elastomers derived from alpha-pinene methacrylate have been characterised via rheological, tensile and adhesion testing, showing comparable properties to a commercial benchmark material, indicating potential for use in pressure sensitive adhesive applications. This funding has led to the production of multiple research papers relating to these novel elastomers alone, with one currently under review and another at final stages of writing, soon to be submitted for publication. Further work undertaken as part of this funding has identified comparable thermorheological behaviour between a novel methacrylate polymer synthesised from pyrolysed biomass and crude oil-based poly(butyl methacrylate), offering a potential sustainable alternative. Polymers and co-polymers from other compositions of pyrolysis oil have been characterised using thermal and rheological means, showing potential adhesive and road surfacing application suitability. This work has also led to a publication, with further related papers in progress. |
| Exploitation Route | For the novel elastomers developed in this work to be taken into full-scale production, further application-based testing is certainly required to better establish relationships between processing and performance, as well as particular bonding conditions. The parameters elected in the current work were maintained constant to evaluated differences in sample composition and other structure-based properties, rather than to target specific application conditions. Further work may also be conducted in improvement of the homopolymer properties, where mechanical brittleness was found to be problematic for the materials provided so far. |
| Sectors | Manufacturing, including Industrial Biotechology,Other |