Presentation description

Current production processes of hard, thermoset plastics (such as those seen in wind turbine blades and aircraft fuselages), rely on energy-intensive vacuum autoclaves. Unfortunately, these polymers have little to no recyclability. To address these issues, the Regenerative Energy-Efficient Manufacturing of Thermoset Polymeric Materials (REMAT) Energy Frontier Research Center (EFRC) was established to develop an 'auto-curing process' (FROMP-curing) for recyclable plastic. Auto-curing is a term used when the reaction can sustain itself using only the heat produced as it is curing (reacting). This process is beneficial because it doesn't require the huge energy expenditure that comes with using autoclaves. FROMP-curing (Frontal Ring-Opening Metathesis Polymerization) is the specific auto-curing process that we are studying in our research. FROMP refers to its characteristic mechanism and front (the region where the reaction spreads). In the Sigman lab, we are developing a mechanistically-guided framework for FROMP-curing between monomers, cleavable co-monomers, and additives to make a reasonable reaction rate and long-term shelf-life stability. This research is part of a national effort to make recyclable polymers a reality.