Grant: Collaborative Research and Development Grants

Design, Testing and Modeling of Polymer Systems as Alternatives to PVC in Flooring-Products Polyvinylchloride, commonly known as PVC, is a remarkable type of polymer which finds a wide variety of industrial applications in composite materials used, for example, in construction and transportation. However, the high chlorine content of PVC, and the plasticizers used to facilitate its processing, create potential health hazards which are currently driving the search for alternative polymer systems. The proposed project aims to develop new chlorine-free and plasticizer-free polymers for application in flooring products, such as floor tiles. To achieve this goal, the project draws from a combination of academic expertise (Université de Sherbrooke) and industrial know-how (American Biltrite). These groups have already initiated joint prospection research and polymer blending approaches which identified several potentially valuable substitutes for PVC. The project described here will perform systematic experimental and theoretical work on polymer systems incorporating polymers referred to as 'ionomers', in order to guide the selection and optimization of suitable PVC substitutes in flooring product application. The successful completion of this project will contribute substantial benefits to a Canadian-based company, while eliminating health hazards related to exposure to PVC.