Grant: Collaborative Research and Development Grants

Hydrogenation constitutes an important process for the chemical modification of polymers. The selective hydrogenation of the unsaturated olefinic groups in nitrile butadiene rubber (NBR) is such a successful commercial process in industry. The commercial process for the hydrogenation of unsaturated polymers is mostly employing the solution hydrogenation, which not only raises environmental concerns but increases the cost of production. It is therefore very desirable to directly hydrogenate the unsaturated polymers in latex form as such a process would avoid the tedious hydrogenation steps and thereby eliminate the need of large amounts of toxic organic solvent. However, there are several challenges which are preventing the commercialization of catalytic latex hydrogenation process. The objective of this proposed project is to solve the dilemma encountered between the current lab technology and industrial production by a state-of-the-art Nanolatex-to-Hydrogenation process and thereof to develop a novel technical route for the production of hydrogenated nitrile butadiene rubber (HNBR) latex and potentially up to a pilot plant scale or a full industrial scale. Nanolatex-to-Hydrogenation is a process-development oriented process by integrating the transformative nanotechnology for industry partners. Nanolatex-to-Hydrogenation in the first place is an environmentally benign and an energy efficient process. Nanolatex-to-Hydrogenation technique will lead to the transformative ability of nanotechnology to establish a unique route to provide new special polymer latex nanoparticles and polymer isolated solids with tailor-made and tunable properties. Thus, this project will provide exceptional benefits to our participating industrial partner and to Canada. In addition, this proposal will significantly benefit the academic circles in Canada in terms of developing new materials and methodologies that the scientific community can adapt in related rapidly growing research areas.