Grantee Research Project Results
Replacements for PVC and PE Water Pipes
EPA Contract Number: 68HE0D18C0016Title: Replacements for PVC and PE Water Pipes
Investigators: Chamsaz, Dr. Elaheh Anna
Small Business: METSS Corporation
EPA Contact: Packard, Benjamin H
Phase: I
Project Period: October 1, 2018 through March 31, 2019
Project Amount: $98,524
RFA: Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) - Phase I (2018) RFA Text | Recipients Lists
Research Category: SBIR - Water , Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR)
Description:
METSS proposes to design a novel polymer system based on polypropylene with covalently attached antioxidants
to mitigate issues with chemical permeation and water quality with current waterpipe materials. Polypropylene
was selected as it has inherently good physical properties and low permeability that will limit chemical migration
from the outside, addressing one critical factor impacting water quality. Covalently bonding the antioxidant to
the polymer backbone will address the other issue with water quality, which is migration of the conventional
antioxidant out of the plastic and into the water. The proposed solution has broad applicability to food contact
applications that use polypropylene. The Phase I program will address the production and characterization of the
antioxidant-modified polypropylene material. Development of a practical solution to improve water pipes
constructed of polypropylene will result in significant commercial benefits, including better water quality, cold
and hot water operational capability, and recyclability. Real-world applications include plastic tubes and pipes,
food packaging, and water and beverage bottles/containers.
Supplemental Keywords:
drinking water, PVC, technologyProgress 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.