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

We propose to use a bench scale robotic platform called a Multiplant for the development of processes for the production of advanced polymer-based nanostructured hybrid materials. Conventional polymers are different from other chemical products in the sense that their properties, and therefore value are determined by both the "chemistry" and the "process" used to make them. Current processes and chemistries allow us to make a tremendous number of products in areas as diverse as paints, adhesives, piping, wire and cable, barrier films, cosmetics and pharmaceuticals. However, it is becoming more challenging for us to propose innovative products using these techniques, and market forces are pushing us to look toward more high value added materials for production in Canada. One of the more promising ways of making such advanced materials is through the production of nano-structured and micro-structured hybrids and composites. We will use the Multiplant to develop innovative materials with the same building blocks (monomers) used to make conventional polymers and incorporating inexpensive mineral or organic materials into the matrix to obtain low-cost, high performance products. These will be available for huge range of applications; lighter, stronger materials for domestic and recreational activities; methods for encapsulating medicines or cells for research purposes; stronger more durable solvent-free coatings and adhesives. This objective requires that we explore a wide range of formulations in terms of the reactive components, charges and stabilisation conditions (we will develop processes with low environmental impact with the products dispersed in water rather than solvent). This platform allows us to generate a more useful amount of data that can be analysed in depth, and produce sufficient quantities for material testing. It will be a key piece of research equipment for our group, and greatly enhance our capacity to train HQP in the use of modern methods for materials production, as well as to increase ability to understand how to produce advanced materials from simple,inexpensive building blocks.