Baroplastics, Plastics Formed by Compressing Two Powdered Polymers at Room Temperature - News Item

通过在室温下压缩两种粉状聚合物来形成一种新型的塑料，这听起来像是大多数聚合物科学家的寓言。但是，胡安·冈萨雷斯·莱昂（Juan Gonzalez-Leon）和他在马萨诸塞州理工学院的团队通过使用通常互相排斥的一对聚合物来实现这一目标，但如果被迫在压力下混合。

The process was first demonstrated in 1998, but still needed heat as well as pressure at that stage. Now, by careful selection of polymers and pre-treating them so that they form nanometre-scale connective bridges, the aim of low-temperature processing has been achieved.

This process, which could be used to make mobile phone cases, for example, could mean huge cost savings due to the reduction in heat energy required. Recycling of these plastics should also be easier, as no degradation from heating will be involved. ‘The systems were shredded and remoulded 10 times with no evident property degradation,’ says Gonzalez-Leon. Further green credentials are offered as the plastics need fewer additives for processing. They could be used as an alternative to current thermoplastic elastomers, rubber-modified plastics and semi-crystalline polymers.

Posted January 2004