Reaction Monitoring System and Inert Atmosphere Glove Box for Precision Synthesis of Elastomeric Barrier Membranes with Moisture Permeability and CWA Deactivation Properties
Abstract
We request an integrated system for performing living carbocationic polymerizations consisting of an inert atmosphere glove box/reaction chiller and ReactIR 45m FTIR spectrometer with fiber conduit ATR probe. This equipment will be used in our fundamental research involving new synthetic techniques toward block co- and terpolymers and generating fundamental knowledge regarding structure/property/morphology relationships in these polymers as a function of composition and molecular architecture. Such materials have a number of potential military applications, including lightweight elastomeric membranes for clothing to protect soldiers from chemical warfare agents and yet allow for the transport of perspiration water for enhanced comfort. The block terpolymers of current interest are thermoplastic elastomers of the polystyrene- polyisobutylene-polystyrene (PS-PIB-PS) type (a.k.a. ÒSIBSÓ copolymer) that additionally contain block elements of hydrophilic polymer, HB. Three hydrophilic blocks will be examined: poly(acrylic acid), poly(ethylene oxide), and poly(ethylene imine). A modular synthesis approach will be used to create HB-PS-PIB-PS-HB, PS-HB-PIB-HB-PS, and PS-PIB(HB)-PS architectures to elucidate structure/properties relationships as a function of block connectivity in copolymers with similar compositions. Morphology, physical properties, and water permeation of synthesized block copolymers will be examined through current and future collaborations at USM and Army (Natick). The requested equipment will enhance the research capabilities of our group in technical areas of interest to ARO, particularly our currently funded research program with ARO (Program Manager Dawanne Poree). This equipment will broaden the University research base in support of national defense. The glove box and chiller will enhance student education in synthetic techniques for handling air-sensitive reagents and processes, and for low-temperature reactions. Use of the ReactIR reaction monitoring system will aid in the education of students in the fundamental concepts of FTIR spectroscopy, FTIR data acquisition by attenuated total reflectance, analysis and quantitation of FTIR data, and kinetics of initiation and propagation in living chain polymerizations. *Publicly releasable
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Oct 16, 2018
- Source ID
- W911NF1710251
Entities
People
- Robson Storey
Organizations
- Army Contracting Command
- United States Army
- University of Southern Mississippi