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Polymer Researchin

SINTEF Materials and ChemistryDept. of Synthesis and Properties

Research teams:

Polymer and composite materials

Polymer chemistry

Polymer particles and surface chemistry

Contact:

Research managerEinar L. Hinrichseneinar.l.hinrichsen@sintef.nophone: +47 982 83 932

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In these three research teams we are ~30 scientists and technicians

Our role – Research, development and dissemination Production, modification and characterization of polymer materials

and polymer particles Surface modification Interactions between polymer surfaces and biological materials,

and immobilization Stabilization, degradation and recycling of polymer materials Processing of plastics Design and construction with plastics, rubber and composites Advanced use of components and finished goods made of

plastics, rubber and composites Well-equipped laboratories for preparation and characterization of

polymer materials and polymer particles

Personnel

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Selected topics Nanotechnology Nano- and microcapsules and –particles from emulsions Sophisticated surfaces Recycling or controlled degradation? Composite and sandwich materials Polyolefin materials

from the polymer raw material to the properties of the final product Impact mechanics and fracture:

experiments and simulations Polymers in extreme environments Permeability Instrumentation Injection moulding (high precision, micro-features)

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Nanotechnology

5 – 10 nmSiO1.5

organic branch andfunctional group

Inorganic / organic hybrid polymer particles

Nanotechnology for improved : Long time stability Barrier properties Adhesion between matrix and

reinforcement Cross-linking and curing .....

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Nano- and microcapsules and –particles from emulsions All sizes from few nm to 1 mm Narrow or broad size distribution

Porous and compact particles Magnetic and non-magnetic particles Composite particles (inorganic / organic) Core/shell capsules containing active substances Hydrophilic and hydrophobic particles

Particles from all types of polymerisations and materials(radical-, ionic, condensation, enzymatic and interfacial polymerisation, layer-by-layer coating)

Varied surface functionality,morphology and topography

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Miniemulsion polymerisationPrinciple

Examples

Nano- and microcapsules and –particles from emulsions

A versatile technology platform for encapsulation and immobilisation

Membrane emulsificationPrinciple

Examples

Water Oil

Sonication/homogenizing device

W/O- or O/W-emulsion

Polymerisation

Polymer particle dispersion

Superparamagnetic silica particles (ferrofluid encapsulated in tetra methoxy silane) (left) and

hydrophilic acrylate particles from HEMA/N,N-methlene bis-acrylamide (right)

Paraffin oil in gelatine-arabic gum (left) and PAH/PSS/Silica composite nanosized hollow

capsules (right)

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Nano- and microcapsules and –particles from emulsions

A versatile technology platform for encapsulation and immobilisation

EXAMPLES

Magnetic particles: iron oxides encapsulated in organo silanes (inorganic/organic composite)

Fragrances encapsulated for protection and controlled release (capsules containing active substances)

Hydrophilic particles from water-in-oil emulsions

Nano- and microsized hollow capsules by layer-by-layer coating

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Sophisticated Surfaces Intelligent surfaces:

Surfaces that change properties on the change of environmental conditions, e.g. temperature, pH or salt conc. Slow release or triggered release Reversible bonds for positive cell separation

(patented method)

Coating with bio-specific moleculese.g. antibodies, enzymes, nucleic acids, lipids or polysaccharides Isolation of DNA, RNA, proteins or cells Target specific capsules for drug delivery Biosensors

Introduction of bio-mimetic layers Anti-infective surfaces for medical implants Antifouling surfaces

Magnetic particle

BOH

O

OCell

Reversible bond

Specific antibody

4.5µm magnetic particles selectivelyattached to Burkitt lymphoma cell

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Patents pending

Marine Coatings

Aim:To provide the basis for a new generation of antifouling coatings

Results: Synthesis of novel monomers and new bio-

degradable polymers New polymers with promising degradation

properties

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Aim, Recycling: To develop new products based on recycled

plastics. Recycling of plastics saves oil and energy resources. Focus on packaging materials.

Enhance quality of recycled plastics by design for recycling, separation, cleaning, restabilisation and reprocessing

Clients: Plastretur, Tomra, Recyclers, Plastic producers

Aim, Controlled Degradation: Plastic materials are durable and persistent. To

reduce the problem of plastic littering, we have contributed in developing Nor-X, a natural based additive that induces degradation of plastics outdoors.

Clients: Nor-X Industry, Norfolier, foil producers

New technology: JPT — Patented technology based on hybrid

polymer particles

Recycling or controlled degradation?

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Composite and sandwich materials Application of composites offshore and in other novel

areas

Design and structural analyses

Production technology

Fracture mechanics and testing

Micro-mechanical testing and interphase technology

Long term and fatigue performance of composites

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Reliability and structural integrity of composite materials

Testing and modelling of impact performance of composite and sandwich materials(instrumented impact testing, simulation with AUTODYN and LS-DYNA,analyses and characterization of damage,residual strength after impact, failure criteria)

Development of experimental techniques and mathematical models for lifetime prediction under static and dynamic fatigue(influence of environment, temperature and pressure on fatigue life, prediction of lifetime and residual lifetime with a minimum requirement on testing)

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Testing and analyses of composites and sandwich Mechanical testing of composites

(tensile, compression, in-plane shear, ILSS, transverse tensile)

Use of acoustic emision (AE) and strain monitoring to determine acceptable load levels in composites

Fatigue and creep testing

Structural analyses, FEA (ANSYS)

Microstructural analyses and interphase technology

Thermal analyses

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Analyses and modelling of permeation of gases and liquids in polymers and composites(Flexible pipes/risers, liners, ageing og polymers and composites)

Experimental techniques to measurediffusion at different temperatures and pressures

Procedures for reliable accellerated testing

Development of mathematical models to simulate diffusion and to predict degradation

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Improved polyolefin materials Aim:

Results:

Aim:

Objectives (examples):

Contribute to the development of new materials through fundamental studies of rheology, crystallization, morphology and end-properties

Polypropylene for high spinning speeds (fibers), and optimized fiber properties

Branched polypropylene for foam extrusion Polyethylene with low haze (films) Polyethylene with low warpage for rotational molding

New materials and guidelines for further development New testing and characterization techniques,

e.g. using atomic force microscopy Facilities for micro-scale compounding and specimen

preparation Various simulation codes

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Impact fracture mechanics testing Fracture surfaces after Charpy test (ISO 179)

Mw=74’, ρ = 961 Mw=115’, ρ = 953 Different mechanisms (crazing, shear yielding) contribute to Charpy toughness The relative contributions vary from grade to grade The toughness values are not geometry-independent

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Constitutive description at impact speedsValidation of model:Comparing instrumented free fall impact experiments on disks and bars with simulations.

0

100

200

300

400

500

600

700

0 0.002 0.004 0.006 0.008 0.01 0.012 0.014 0.016 0.018 0.02

Displacement [m]

Forc

e [N

]4 m/s 4 m/s simulation2 m/s 2 m/s simulation1 m/s 1 m/s simulation500mm/min (const) 500 mm/m simulation50mm/min (const) 50 mm/min simulation5mm/min (const) 5 mm/min simulation

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Testing and analysis

An optical microscopy image of a product made in POM shows that the cause of mechanical failure is due to inhomogenieties in the morphology

1 mm

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Residual stresses in a plastic part moulded over a steel insert, analysed by exposure in a solvent

Testing and analysis

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Degradation of polymers

Valve

k-value specimen

Manometer

Insulation

Heat element

Tensile specimen

0,0

0,1

0,2

0,3

0,4

0,5

0,6

0,7

0,8

0,9

1,0

1,1

10 100 1000 10000 100000Time [h]

Prop

erty

50

90

100

110

120

Water, seawater, acids, oils O2, CH4, H2S, N2

Pressure: ≤ 350 bar Temp: 10 – 230 C

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Insulation materials for subsea applications

Results:

Aim:

Objectives: Numerical simulation of the

production process. Predict long-term insulation behavior.

1

10

0 1 10 100 1000 10000 100000Duration [hrs]

Cre

ep [%

]

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Developed and installed small scale test rigs to effectively measure the creep behavior, a critical parameter for the overall pipe insulation property (U-value).

Cooling simulations are regularly used to increase the production speed, without reducing the insulation quality.

0.00E+00

5.00E+01

1.00E+02

1.50E+02

2.00E+02

2.50E+02

1.30E-01 1.40E-01 1.50E-01 1.60E-01 1.70E-01 1.80E-01 1.90E-01 2.00E-

Radius [m]

Tem

pe

ratu

re

[C]

z = 0.5mz = 2mz = 4mz = 6mz = 8m

Together with Bredero Shaw, Norway, optimize the production of foamed polypropylene insulated steel pipes, and qualify for deep water applications.

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Tailor-made racing ski productionAim:

Results:

0

0.005

0.01

0.015

0.02

0.025

0.03

0.035

0.04

0.045

0.05

0 20 40 60 80 100 120 140 160 180 200

Length [cm]

Pres

sure

We have developed a test rig for measurement of important ski properties critical for the performance of the athlete. The rig is installed and used by Madshus AS in product development, production control, as well as to tailor make skies for the individual skier.

Aim:

Objectives:

Together with Madshus AS develop methods and test facilities necessary for tailor-made racing ski production

Develop know-how for construction and production of Nordic racing skies which enhances the performance of the skier.

Develop test tools needed for production of optimized and tailor-made skies.

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Injection-moulded high-precision componentsfor satellite communicationBackground A low price for the outdoor unit is a necessity for the

commercial success of a broadband satellite solution The outdoor unit consists of a sender, a receiver and an

antenna The price can be reduced considerably if critical components

(waveguides) can be injection moulded in plastics

Specifications High geometrical precision and reproducibility, and a

low thermal expansion A metallised surface with high electrical conductivity,

low roughness and a even layer thickness Low price

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Injection moulded high precision componentsfor satellite communication (cont.)

ResultsPerformance of injection moulded and metallised critical component (sender filter) is well within specifications. Reproducibility of critical dimensions are within 2-3 µm (~ 0.1 %).

Project partnersNera Research, SINTEF ICT and SINTEF Materialsand chemistry

ClientThe European Space Agency (ESA)

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Polymer components with micro- and nano-featureswww.sintef.no/mpc

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■ Novel sensor for monitoring CO2concentration developed by OptoSense

■ Essential part injection moulded in polycarbonate polymer

■ Sub-micrometer replication of optical grating

■ High requirements – planarity and mechanical performance of integrated hinge

■ Polymer- and fabrication-related R&D by SINTEF

Indoor air quality – Demand-controlled ventilation

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■ Lab-on-chip device developed by NorChip and SINTEF ICT■ The chip is injection molded in a COC polymer

■ High accuracy and low surface roughness of micro-features essential for microfluidics

■ Barrier properties of material essential for shelf-life■ Low price per unit

■ Small-scale pre-market production by SINTEF MC for NorChip

Early diagnosis of cervical cancer

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Development and characterisation of materials for polymer-based optical telecom components and diffraction light modulators (for Ignis)

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Equipment for testing and characterization

Equipment for mechanical testing, including impact, creep and fatigue

High speed tensile testing machine Minimat (micro-tester) Dynamic mechanical thermal analyser Rheometers DSC andTGA Optical microscopes (hot stage) FT-IR SEM and Microprobe TEM (different contrasting

techniques) AFM NMR and MAS-NMR GPC and HPLC

X-ray diffraction (WAXS) Laser interferometry Autoclaves (environmental testing Plasma chamber (surface treatment) Equipment for RTM Extruder for compounding and

reactive extrusion Mini extruder and lab-scale

injection moulding Injection moulding machine

(also specialities for componentswith micro-features)

Two-roll mixer and hot press Software:

Ansys, Abaqus, LS-DYNA, Moldex3D