Grant: Research Tools and Instruments - Category 1 (<$150,000)

The equipment requested is a twin-screw extruder, capable for chemically modifying, blending and compounding of polymers. The configuration requested is capable for production of moderate amounts of material, up to 5 kg/hr, suitable for a research environment. This equipment is needed for our extensive research program on advanced polymer blends and composites. Polymeric materials, which combine superior engineering properties with desirable traits such as light weight, ease of manufacturing and recyclability are of major scientific and technological importance. The objective of our research is to design, synthesize and characterize polymeric materials with enhanced performance. This research is expected to provide a wide array of materials suitable for high-value-added applications in automotive, structural, packaging, coating and other specialty products, of importance in the Canadian manufacturing sector. The requested compounding equipment is an essential tool in our research. Its availability will also enable us to attract research funds and industrial support for the production of materials that are industrially relevant. Given our record of training and industrial collaboration, it is expected that our ability to manufacture advanced polymeric materials will not only improve fundamental scientific knowledge, but will also benefit the plastics manufacturing sector and advance the training of highly qualified personnel. Several other researchers in the Kingston area also stand to benefit from the availability of the equipment.