Coatings and Biodegradable and Bioasorbable Films

摘要

Research and development activities focused on environmentally friendly monomer, polymer and composite materials for Navy coating and packaging needs. Specifically focusing on the plasticizing effects of vegetable oil macromonomers as incorporated into emulsion polymers for efficient almost zero VOC film formation and the additional benefit of auto-oxidative polymerization after application. The resulting formulated coatings met or exceeded each of the specified Military specifications and are currently being evaluated for larger surface area application ease in combination with monomer and polymer scale up and commercialization. Polyesters and polyester-urethane block copolymers were evaluated for potential as biodegradable food packaging and pallet stretch wrap. The screening studies have resulted in materials with similar toughness as conventional materials and cursory data suggest acceptable biodegradability. Further evaluations will be performed in conjunction with the Natick Soldier Center. High throughput screening methods were evaluated as a precursor for ASTM 6691-01 testing and proved valuable by reducing the screening time 30 days to 48 hours. Several areas of optimization, such as the types of bacterial organism, were investigated where fluorescence was a most convient method for mierotiter plate detection. Excellent progress was made developing new nanocomposites and salt water triggered dissolution and degradation of polyester composites.