SBIR Phase II: Novel Polycarbonate Synthesis

This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project aims to commercialize a new class of biodegradable plastics from carbon dioxide and epoxides. The technology is based on an innovative catalyst system that significantly increases process efficiency and reduces cost. A novel approach for catalytic polymerization will be developed by directly incorporating carbon dioxide into the polymer, which will transform this greenhouse gas into a synthetic building block of a polycarbonate plastic material, with widespread industrial applications. The project will demonstrate an alternative use of a significant greenhouse gas as an alternative feedstock for the plastic industry, which has the potential for greatly reducing the Nation's dependence on petroleum-based raw materials. In addition, the polycarbonate materials synthesized using the novel process will beneficially impact a number of industries, such as specialty adhesives, investment casting, ceramic binders and biomedical applications.