Multifunctional organosilicon additives for modification of polymers

Technological Overview

A Polish research organisation has developed a group of multifunctional organosilicon additives designed for the modification of polymer materials.

The solution is based on a wide range of organosilicon compounds, including silanes, siloxanes, polysiloxanes, cyclosiloxanes and silsesquioxanes, as well as other functionalised organosilicon derivatives. The additives are synthesised from non-petrochemical raw materials in a highly efficient and scalable process. The type of organosilicon core and of the functional groups determines which property is enhanced and how well the additive is compatible with a given polymer/polymer blend. This makes it possible to design additives for a specific application.

Depending on the application, the additives can be used for surface or bulk modification of polymers. They can enhance mechanical, thermal, flame-retardant, adhesive or antibacterial properties, improve surface finish and aesthetics or increase resistance to moisture, UV or chemicals. The additives are effective even at low dosages of around 5 wt%, which limits the consumption of the additive and the impact on the properties of the base polymer.

The technology has been tested on a variety of polymers, including silicone rubber and resins, polyamide 6 (PA6), polystyrene (PS), poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET), polypropylene (PP) and polyethylene (PE). It has also been applied to bio-based polymers, such as polylactide (PLA).

Advantages and innovations

The proposed technology offers the following advantages and innovative aspects:

• wide range of achievable property improvements depending on its structure (enhancing mechanical, thermal, flame-retardant, adhesive or antibacterial properties, or resistance to moisture, UV and chemicals);

• high efficiency at low dosages, even around 5 wt%;

• possibility of surface or bulk modification of the polymer;

• tailor-made additive structures adapted to the target polymer and required properties;

• wide range of applicable organosilicon compounds: silanes, siloxanes, polysiloxanes, cyclosiloxanes, silsesquioxanes and other functionalised organosilicon derivatives;

• synthesis from non-petrochemical raw materials;

• highly efficient and scalable synthesis process, with the possibility to produce additives in batches of up to 100 kg;

• tested on a variety of polymers (silicone rubber, resins, PA6, PS, PET, PP, PE) and on bio-based polymers such as PLA;

• suitability for further laboratory and pilot-scale validation and technology transfer towards industrial applications.

Our Organization

Poznan Science and Technology Park (PPNT) is the first science and technology park in Poland, established in 1995 and operating within the Adam Mickiewicz University Foundation. We bridge the gap between academic breakthroughs and industrial application. As a research and technology organisation, we work in organic chemistry, advanced materials development and agrochemistry.

Our expertise includes:

• Design and synthesis of organosilicon additives: tailor-made organosilicon compounds for specific polymers and target properties, synthesised from non-petrochemical raw materials.

• Scale-up excellence: laboratory-scale synthesis and scale-up of production up to 100 kg per batch.

• Polymer modification: surface and bulk modification of polymers, and optimisation of additive dosage and compatibility with polymer matrices.

• Functional materials development: polymer materials with enhanced mechanical, thermal, flame-retardant, adhesive and antibacterial properties or improved resistance to moisture, UV and chemicals.

• Basic material characterization: testing and evaluation of the properties of modified materials.

• Validation and technology transfer: support in laboratory- and pilot-scale validation and transfer towards industrial applications.

• Science dissemination and popularization: organizing conferences, workshops and trade fairs.

Collaboration

We are looking for projects to join as research institution and consortium partner.