Grantee Research Project Results
Drawing of Flexible Chain Polymers in High Pressure CO2
EPA Grant Number: U915565Title: Drawing of Flexible Chain Polymers in High Pressure CO2
Investigators: Hobbs, Terry R.P.
Institution: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
EPA Project Officer: Packard, Benjamin H
Project Period: September 1, 1999 through September 1, 2000
Project Amount: $30,946
RFA: STAR Graduate Fellowships (1999) RFA Text | Recipients Lists
Research Category: Academic Fellowships , Safer Chemicals , Fellowship - Chemistry and Materials Science
Objective:
The objective of this research project is to develop a scientific and engineering understanding of the interaction between CO2 and polymers at various levels (i.e., the continuum level). The results will aid in the development of low-energy, benign-processing techniques for polymer processing, textile dyeing, and the production of high-performance fibers.
Approach:
High-pressure equipment, including isothermal cells and a high-pressure tensile drawing apparatus, has been built to study polymer deformation. Polymers are drawn in CO2 or investigated using dynamic measurements. The resultant materials are analyzed using a variety of physical techniques such as x-ray diffraction, differential-scanning calorimetry, polarized-light microscopy, density, and scanning electron microscopy. Mechanical measurements also are used to obtain engineering properties.
Supplemental Keywords:
fellowship, carbon dioxide, green engineering, fibers, polymers, polymer processing, textile dyeing, high-performance fibers production.Progress and Final Reports:
The perspectives, information and conclusions conveyed in research project abstracts, progress reports, final reports, journal abstracts and journal publications convey the viewpoints of the principal investigator and may not represent the views and policies of ORD and EPA. Conclusions drawn by the principal investigators have not been reviewed by the Agency.