Subventions et des contributions :

Subvention ou bourse octroyée s'appliquant à plus d'un exercice financier. (2017-2018 à 2022-2023)

Extrusion is a very important polymer processing technique. Conventional extrusion involves melting, homogenizing and shaping of polymeric materials into continuous final plastic products such as films and fibres. Reactive extrusion (REX) combines the previously mentioned operations with reaction(s) in the molten polymer for the purpose of producing new materials with enhanced properties. Typical applications involve reactive blending, addition of functional groups on otherwise inert polymers, and modification of molecular weight and structure. Each operation is governed by underlying interactions between material properties and processing conditions.

The main thrust in the proposed research program is the fundamental understanding of these interactions in industrially important reactive and conventional polymer processing operations. Understanding of these complex phenomena can lead to optimal design and operation of advanced polymer extrusion processes for the purpose of producing novel polymeric materials/structures with enhanced properties.

The objectives of the research work proposed in this application are to study: : (i) reactive extrusion operations for the chemical modification of polymers, (ii) plastic film extrusion operations for battery separator applications, and (iii) extrusion operations for mechanical metamaterial plastic films. As a result of these studies, process models will be developed to relate application properties to processing conditions.

The proposed research plan will advance our knowledge in the area of polymer extrusion technology and more specifically in the important sectors of reactive polymer extrusion for modification of existing polymers and the area of production of plastic films for battery separators and mechanical plastic metamaterial films. Such knowledge will boost the competitiveness of the Canadian industry by helping in the evolution of technology related to polymer chemical modification, film extrusion and novel metamaterial film production operations. These are elements deemed crucial by the plastics industry for the next phase of technical and market development in plastics and plastic composites. HQP who will work in the proposed research areas will acquire the unique skills/knowledge in polymer extrusion, polymer rheology, and polymer characterization required by the polymer production and processing industry. This will make them highly valuable and desirable employees in both research and manufacturing positions in this industry.