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Details of Grant 

EPSRC Reference: GR/K76009/01
Title: CLEAN SYNTHESIS OF ACRYLIC COPOLYMERS IN SUPERCRITICAL CARBON DIOXIDE
Principal Investigator: Howdle, Professor S
Other Investigators:
Hay, Professor J
Researcher Co-Investigators:
Project Partners:
AstraZeneca BP
Department: Sch of Chemistry
Organisation: University of Nottingham
Scheme: Standard Research (Pre-FEC)
Starts: 05 February 1996 Ends: 04 August 1999 Value (£): 194,433
EPSRC Research Topic Classifications:
Materials Synthesis & Growth
EPSRC Industrial Sector Classifications:
Chemicals
Related Grants:
Panel History:  
Summary on Grant Application Form
This proposal seeks to investigate the use of supercritical solvents, in particular CO2, as clean alternatives to the environmentally unacceptable solvents used for industrial scale polymerisation processes. We aim to achieve this by bringing together supercritical fluid technology and spectroscopic expertise in Nottingham with the Polymer chemistry, materials analysis and extensive industrial experience of Dr J N Hay at the University of Surrey. This proposals has the support of senior managers, research scientists and directors in the UK's largest polymer producers, including ICI, BP, Zeneca, Harlow Chemicals and Allied Colloids. An important by-product of funding for this proposal will be the creation of a core of UK expertise in this increasingly important area; an area sadly overlooked in this country to date. In this proposal we focus on the synthesis of acrylic acid/alkyl acrylate copolymers; copolymers in which each of the above companies share a common interest. We will develop methodologies for efficient and controlled synthesis in supercritical solvents, through direct spectroscopic observation of reactions, and extensive analysis of the products.
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Organisation Website: http://www.nottingham.ac.uk