Free-Radical Retrograde-Precipitation Polymerization (FRRPP)

Providing insight on the free-radical retrograde-precipitation polymerization process, this volume examines the phenomenological aspects in comparison to other materials, such as nanoscale confinement behavior and nucleated hot spots.

The free-radical retrograde-precipitation polymerization (FRRPP) process was introduced by the author in the early 1990s as a chain polymerization method, whereby phase separation is occurring while reactive sites are above the lower cr- ical solution temperature (LCST). It was evident that certain regions of the product polymer attain temperatures above the average ?uid temperature, sometimes rea- ing carbonization temperatures. During the early stages of polymerization-induced phase separation, nanoscale polymer domains were also found to be persistent in the reacting system, in apparent contradiction with results of microstructural coarsening from constant-temperature modeling and experimental studies. This mass con?- ment behavior was used for micropatterning, for entrapment of reactive radical sites, and for the formation of block copolymers that can be used as intermediates, surf- tants, coatings, coupling agents, foams, and hydrogels. FRRPP-based materials and its mechanism have also been proposed to be relevant in energy and environmentally responsible applications. This technology lacks intellectual appeal compared to others that have been p- posed to produce polymers of exotic architectures. There are no special chemical mediators needed. Control of conditions and product distribution is done by p- cess means, based on a robust and ?exible free-radical-based chemistry. Thus, it can readily be implemented in the laboratory and in production scale.

Summarizes for the first time the topic in one book Includes supplementary material: sn.pub/extras

Inhalt
Foreword Background 1. Phase Separation Thermodynamics 2. Polymer Transport Processes 3. Qualitative Mathematics and Nonlinear Dynamics 4. Phase Separation Kinetics 5. Conventional Polymerization Kinetics and Processes FRRPP Concept 1. Connection to Nanotechnology 2. Local Heating Phenomenon 3. Polymerization Kinetics 4. Polymer Solution Thermodynamics and Transport Considerations 5. Energy Analysis Polymerization Processes 1. Homopolymerizations 2. Copolymerizations Product Materials 1. Homopolymers and Statistical Multipolymers 2. Block Copolymers 3. Reactive Polymer Intermediates 4. Surfactants 5. Composites and Blends 6. Coatings 7. Foams 8. Lithographically Patterned Polymers Energy Uses 1. Surfactant-based Waterflooding for Subterranean Oil recovery 2. Foamflooding Subterranean Oil Recovery 3. Recovery of Bitumen from Tar Sands 4. Extraction of Vanadium and Sulfur from Oil/Bitumen Future Outlook 1. Polymers for Defense and Homeland Security 2. Conceptual Connections to Energy-producing Isotopes 3. High Temperature Fuel Cells 4. Microfluidics from Patterned Hydrogels 5. Nanopatterning 6. Carbon Dioxide Sequestration and Related Uses 7. Other Possible Applications