Michigan State University

Triblue Corporation

University of Kentucky Research Foundation

Eric A Grulke

Patrick J Oriel

Joseph Victor Alexander

Li-Xia Li

David A Pienkowski

Robert J Jacob

Methods of forming polymer layers on polymer surfaces using surface initiated atom-transfer radical-polymerization (ATRP) are described. The method can include functionalization steps prior to performing surface initiated ATRP, such as hydroxylation steps and/or halogenation steps. The hydroxylation step can be carried out in a solution including potassium persulfate, ammonium persulfate, or lithium hydroxide. The halogenation step can also be carried out in a solution. The methods described herein can be performed on bundles of hollow polymer fibers, including bundles of hollow polymer fibers mounted in a module.

Methods of forming a polymer layer on a polymer surface

A method for improving consolidation of powder resin is provided. The method broadly includes the steps of: (1) sorting particles of the powder resin according to their diameter; (2) combining the sorted particles having a first diameter D1 with the sorted particles having a second diameter D2 so as to form a particle mixture; (3) applying a vibration to the particle mixture; (4) heating the particle mixture; and (5) delivering the particle mixture through a nozzle or into a mold. The particle diameters D1 and D2 are chosen so that once combined there is optimal close packing of the three-dimensional spaces between the powder resin particles.

Method for improving consolidation of powder resin

A new thermoplastic homopolymer of o-cresol which is a poly(2-methylphenylene oxide) having a high molecular weight distribution is described. The polymer is prepared using a 2 and/or 6 substituted pyridine catalyst to the molecular weight distribution. The homopolymer can be blended with other thermoplastic polymers. The homopolymer is rapidly biodegraded, particularly in soil containing soil microorganisms.

Synthetic biodegradable polymer from o-cresol

Growing community of inventors

Lexington, KY, United States of America

Eric A Grulke