TECHNOLOGY/BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY Anisotropic, multi-functional polymeric microparticles additives for polymeric formulation enhancement

Opportunity:

Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL), operated by the Lawrence Livermore National Security (LLNS), LLC under contract no. DE-AC52-07NA27344 (Contract 44) with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), is offering the opportunity to enter into a collaboration to further develop and commercialize its Anisotropic, multi-functional polymeric microparticles additives for polymeric formulation enhancement.

Background:

When shearing polymer fluids in an aqueous or other non-solvent phase, polymers typically form spheres.  In these two-phase systems, it is just not energetically favorable for non-spherical shapes to form as that would increases the surface area to volume ratio.  Some approaches to produce anisotropic particles include:

1. stretching spherical polymer particles and curing/quenching them in that state
2. template-assisted methods where particles are formed on patterned surfaces like those with microchannels or pores
3. microfluidic techniques
4. swelling with solvent
5. phase separation that results in anisotropic shapes.

Generally, these methods are often difficult to scale either due to the possible throughput or due to the complicated infrastructure/hardware needed; are often expensive due to equipment needed; may be limited in the materials that can be used; and may include additional processes or waste products that are undesirable.

Description:

LLNL researchers have developed a synthetic methodology for making anisotropic polymer microparticles using a two phase high shear mixing protocol.  One phase is an aqueous phase which may include polymer viscosity modifiers and/or surfactants to increase the internal shear stress applied to the polymer phase precursor and stabilize particle formation.  When the polymer phase is formulated with rheological properties that resist flow (i.e., produce a thixotropic material), anisotropic particles can be formed.  The anisotropic particles could be extruded, aligned preferentially along the direction of extrusion, and cured together using an appropriate binder to create polymer-polymer composites in 3D printable Direct Ink Write (DIW) inks. 

In addition to changes that affect rheological properties, functional fillers like magnetic or conductive particles can also be added to the polymer phase. The resulting multi-functional, anisotropic polymer microparticles impart a magnetic response to the allowing them to orient in the direction of an applied magnetic field.  These particles can be isolated and 3D printed, resulting in a printed structure that is also response to a magnetic field. 

Advantages/Benefits: 

1. Method has potential to be scalable to multiple kilograms.
2. Method is amenable to many different materials (epoxies, silicones, acrylates, liquid crystal elastomers, urethanes) including uncured precursors and polymer melts.
3. Method takes advantage of well-known emulsion chemistry techniques like use of viscosity modifiers or surfactants to tune resulting anisotropic microparticle shape, size, size distribution, and surface functionality.
4. Allows for ability to add multi-functional materials to the polymer microparticles (magnetic, electronic) to introduce to properties to both the DIW ink and the resulting 3D printed structure.

Potential Applications: 

Rheology modifier in DIW inks, multi-functionality additive to DIW inks and prints,

Development Status: 

Current stage of technology development: TRL ☐ 0-2     ☒ 3-5     ☐ 5-9

LLNL has filed for patent protection on this invention.

LLNL is seeking industry partners with a demonstrated ability to bring such inventions to the market. Moving critical technology beyond the Laboratory to the commercial world helps our licensees gain a competitive edge in the marketplace. All licensing activities are conducted under policies relating to the strict nondisclosure of company proprietary information. 

Please visit the IPO website at https://ipo.llnl.gov/resources for more information on working with LLNL and the industrial partnering and technology transfer process.

Note:  THIS IS NOT A PROCUREMENT.  Companies interested in commercializing LLNL's Anisotropic, multi-functional polymeric microparticles additives for polymeric formulation enhancement should provide an electronic OR written statement of interest, which includes the following:

1. Company Name and address.
2. The name, address, and telephone number of a point of contact.
3. A description of corporate expertise and/or facilities relevant to commercializing this technology.

Please provide a complete electronic OR written statement to ensure consideration of your interest in LLNL's Anisotropic, multi-functional polymeric microparticles additives for polymeric formulation enhancement.

The subject heading in an email response should include the Notice ID and/or the title of LLNL’s Technology/Business Opportunity and directed to the Primary and Secondary Point of Contacts listed below.

Written responses should be directed to:

Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory

Innovation and Partnerships Office

P.O. Box 808, L-779

Livermore, CA  94551-0808

Attention: 2025-117