Identifier

etd-08202011-150424

Degree

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Chemistry

Document Type

Thesis

Abstract

Frontal polymerization (FP) is when the monomer is polymerized by a zone of reaction propagating through the monomer. The reaction zone is fueled by the heat given off by the polymerization of the monomer. FP is a promisig method for curing adhesives because it allows for cure-on-demand and fast cure times. The monomers selected for the adhesive is the main factor in determining the adhesive’s properties. Trimethylolpropane triacrylate (TMPTA), pentaerythritol tetraacrylate (PETA), and other multifunctional monomers make the polymer formed more brittle. The brittleness can be reduced by using trimethylolpropane ethoxylate triacrylates (TMPEOTA) in the place of the other multifunctional acrylates. The ethoxylation makes for a more elastic polymer, but it also reduces the reactivity. Acrylic acid (AA) is highly reactive and can be coupled with less reactive monomers, like the TMPEOTAs, to make them polymerize. Fillers can also impact the mechanical properties of the polymers. Kaolin clay and alumina trihydrate make the polymer stronger, whereas styrene-ethylene/butylene-styrene (SEBS) and styrene-butadiene-styrene (SBS) can make the polymer more elastic. The strength of the adhesive was tested by using it to bind two piece of wood and then using ASTMD 143 Hardness and Compression Method testing with an Instron.

Date

2011

Document Availability at the Time of Submission

Release the entire work immediately for access worldwide.

Committee Chair

Pojman, John A.

DOI

10.31390/gradschool_theses.4224

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