The University of Massachusetts Amherst

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A New Processing Technique to Fabricate Polymer Articles with Improved Mechanical and Thermal Properties
This invention provides a new polymer processing technique, termed Melt-Mastication, which improves the properties of commodity semi-crystalline polymers, such as polypropylene. Compared with conventional methodology for processing polymers, Melt-Mastication creates unique microstructures in the polymer material, which results in improved mechanical and thermal properties of the polymer material and enables commodity polymers to compete with more costly materials in a variety of industries.

Published: 8/10/2023   |   Inventor(s): Alan Lesser, E. Bryan Coughlin, Brian Cromer
Category(s): Material science, Physical Science
Self-Reinforced Polymeric Materials with enhanced Processability and Toughness
This technology provides self-reinforced polymeric materials with greatly improved physical and mechanical properties as well as a unique and simple method for generating these materials. The concept involves using a low molecular weight crystalline compound in a polymer blend to form reinforcing crystalline particles. The presence of the crystalline particles simultaneously improves the impact or fracture toughness, enhances processibility through reduced viscosity, increases or does not otherwise detrimentally decrease the modulus, and lowers the coefficient of thermal expansion, among other improvements. These advantageous characteristics will allow self-reinforced polymeric materials to compete in markets currently using more expensive compounds. Virtually any polymeric material can benefit from this technology.
Published: 8/3/2023   |   Inventor(s): Alan Lesser, Thomas Mccarthy, Onur Sinan Yordem, Joonsung Yoon
Category(s): Material science, Physical Science
Processable Polymers and Polymer Foams Made Without Organic Solvents
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Published: 8/10/2023   |   Inventor(s): Alan Lesser, Gregory Connor Evans
Category(s): Material science, Physical Science