SBIR Phase I: Synthesis of New Ionomer Resins Based on Polycyclopentadiene Monomers

This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project focuses on the synthesis of a novel set of proprietary ionomeric polymeric materials. Through the use of established techniques (Ring Opening Metathesis Polymerization), a series of copolymers that contain a physical and a chemical crosslink will be developed lending a unique level of toughness and impact resistance to the final material. This technology will expand into the areas of ballistic and blast mitigation materials, safer sporting equipment, seals used in defense and chemical processing applications, and self-healing coatings. The potential for these materials to supplant existing commercially available materials will increase with the incorporation of more and greater varieties of functionality in addition to the current technological innovation. By adding a variety of functionalities that compliment the backbone polymer, a versatile and wide-ranging material will result in a significant number of industrial applications.