US Government As Represented by the Secretary of the Army

Robert H Lambeth

Joseph L Lenhart

Randy A Mrozek

Jan W Andzelm

Eric Dean Wetzel

Emil Jose Sandoz-Rosado

David C McLeod

Kevin R Waters

Two-dimensional (2D) polymers and methods for their formation are described herein. To create oriented 2D polymer films, monomers are combined with processing additives within a solvent, creating a solution that can be cast and dried to remove the solvent and form a solid film. The methods can enable transformation of the monomers into oriented films. Film quality can be controlled via multiple processing parameters, including monomer and additive concentrations, shear and elongational flow rates during casting, evaporation rates, and post-process rinsing, buffering, stretching, and thermal treatments. By combining stiff carbon-containing cyclic polymer nodal units with more compliant linear polymer bridge units in an ordered, 2D repeating molecular structure it is possible to tailor the mechanical properties of 2D polymers and their assemblies to provide high stiffness, strength, and toughness. The 2D polymer can also be combined with other 2D materials, linear polymers, or reinforcing materials to create 2D polymer composites.

Method for directly creating a film of 2D polymers from monomer solutions

Toughened polymeric materials and methods of forming toughened polymeric materials are provided herein. In some embodiments, a method of forming toughened polymeric materials may include preparing a branched polymeric additive; mixing the branched polymeric additive with a polymer to form a polymeric mixture, wherein the branched polymeric molecule either mixes and/or bonds with the polymer to reduce mobility in the polymer; and curing the polymeric mixture. In some embodiments, a toughened polymeric material comprises a polymer network; and a branched polymeric molecule bonded to the polymer network.

Branched additives for polymer toughening

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Elkton, MD, United States of America

Robert H Lambeth