Overview

Polybenzoxazole (PBO) fibers have usually been made by condensing diaminobenzene diol and terephthalic acid with polyphosphoric acid (PA), which serves as both solvent and catalyst. The use of PA, however, causes the PBO fibers to be contaminated with PA units. We have invented a nanoparticle (NP)-based catalytic method to synthesize functional polymers with controlled polymerization, purity, and properties. Our method addresses the problem of PBO purity, helping the PBO to maintain its thermomechanical stability.

Market Opportunity

PBO fibers are used for producing body armor, flame retardant materials, smart electronic textiles, and iconic/separation membranes. The PA contamination of traditional PBO fibers causes the catalytic hydrolysis of the benzoxazole ring when exposed to humid and/or lighted environments. Unfortunately, this causes the unexpected and fast degradation of the mechanical integrity of the polymer fibers. Thus, there is a need for a method to make PBO fibers that maintain their thermomechanical stability and do not undergo degradation of the mechanical integrity of their polymers when exposed to humid and/or lighted environments.

Innovation and Meaningful Advantages

We have invented a nanoparticle (NP)-based catalytic method to synthesize functional polymers with controlled polymerization, purity, and properties. We have found that AuPd alloy NPs are especially efficient at catalyzing multiple chemical reactions in one pot, including formic acid dehydrogenation, nitro-hydrogenation, and amine/aldehyde condensation, to form PBO. Our method addresses the problem of PBO purity, helping the PBO to maintain its thermomechanical stability, and thus the mechanical integrity of its polymers.

Collaboration Opportunity

We are interested in exploring 1) startup opportunities with investors; 2) research collaborations with leading companies; and 3) licensing opportunities with companies.

Principal Investigator

IP Information

US Utility US11472923B2, Issued October 18, 2022

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