Bayer MaterialScience LLC Scientist Explores Innovative Technology And Production Of Novel Polymers At Prestigious Gordon Research Conference
Pittsburgh, PA - For many years, the polyurethane industry has relied upon the same dependable catalyst to produce polyether polyols, the building blocks of polyurethanes and related polymers. In recent years, Bayer MaterialScience LLC has developed and advanced commercialization of a new catalyst, IMPACT technology, for the creation of those building blocks.
Karl Haider, innovation manager, Bayer MaterialScience LLC, explored the advances of IMPACT technology in a technical presentation, Double Metal Cyanide Catalysis: Enabling Novel Polyoxyalkylene Based Block Copolymers, at the recent Gordon Research Conference at Mount Holyoke College in South Hadley, Mass. The theme of the conference was "Responsive and Multifunctional Polymers Enabling Emerging Technologies." Haider presented with Jack Reese, Jose Pazos and Ken McDaniel – all of Bayer MaterialScience – during the Polymer Sustainability portion of the conference.
IMPACT technology is already known as a more efficient way to produce many industry standard polyether polyols; the technique reduces waste, energy and carbon dioxide equivalents, in addition to significantly improving productivity of the reaction.
In addition to creating standard polyether polyols, IMPACT technology can allow scientists to produce building blocks that were not previously achievable with conventional catalysts. The crux of the presentation focused on how IMPACT technology can be utilized to create novel building blocks for polyurethane and related polymers. Consequently, these novel building blocks can be used to create entirely new polymers not possible with traditional methods.
Haider discussed several new polymers that may be created using IMPACT technology including polymers with a low surface energy, for anti-graffiti or medical applications; polymers that can incorporate natural, renewable feedstocks like soy oil or carbon dioxide; and polymers that have fire retardance built into them.
"IMPACT technology is giving scientists the ability to make building blocks for polyurethane that aren't readily made by other catalysts," explained Haider. "There are a whole host of utilities for this catalyst. In our presentation, we spread the word about the opportunities for new materials using this technology. We want to see what the academic audience can produce with this new tool."
The Gordon Research Conference has a long tradition of bringing prestigious scientists to college campuses around the nation and facilitating free discussion of new ideas. The goal is to host an open exchange of ideas in an informal environment, allowing presenters to discuss work that is in early stages in order to further research and development.
SOURCE: Bayer MaterialScience LLC