Reports: B7
48384-B7 Polymerizing Alkenes with Polar Functional Groups: New Polymerization Methods for Functional, Hyperbranched Fuel Additives with Ester, Ether, and Amide Linkages
A method for producing functional hyperbranched fuel additives has been investigated. These polymers have potential as anti-oxidant fuel additives and viscosity modifiers. The method involves the synthesis of hyperbranched polymer architectures by integrating renewable resources into an existing polymerization mechanism. We have investigated the ring opening metathesis polymerizations (ROMP) of cyclic olefins, such as dicyclopentadiene (DCPD), in the presence of renewable chain transfer agents. Due to the plentiful abundance of dicyclopentadiene, this process has great potential for fuel additives. Monoterpenes, such as d-limonene, limonene oxide and beta-pinene, were chosen as renewable chain transfer agents. Other functional groups, such as phenols, are under investigation to provide hyperbranched fuel additives with anti-oxidant groups.
Normally, the ROMP of DCPD results in insoluble cross-linked networks. This procedure converts a heterogeneous polymerization into a homogeneous reaction with controllable molecular weights and glass transition temperatures (Tg). Depending on the catalyst loading, monomer concentration, and [DCPD]/[monoterpene] ratio, the molecular weight values ranged from 2000 to 54000 g/mol. The Tg values scaled with molecular weight and could be adjusted from 63° C to 155° C. The branching of these polymers was characterized by NMR and gel-permeation chromatography (GPC). This synthesis project included two undergraduate students who were coauthors on a Macromolecules paper. Currently, an undergraduate who is majoring in petroleum and natural gas engineering is evaluating these polymers as fuel additives. Initial results indicate the resulting polymers are soluble in biodiesel and diesel fuels.
Receiving a Type B grant has exposed students in wide variety of engineering (aerospace, nuclear, and chemical) and life science disciplines (biology, chemistry, environmental studies) to polymer science. Approximately seven undergraduate students, many who plan to attend graduate school in chemistry, aerospace engineering, medicine, and materials science, have benefited from participation in this project. These students have presented their work at numerous conferences. Four students conducted research (25-30 hrs/week) in the summer 2009 as a result of PRF funding. A fruitful NMR collaboration with Dr. Krishnan Damodaran (University of Pittsburgh) has also been established.
