Polymer Chemistry

This module is part of a collection of nine green chemistry teaching modules developed in the early 2000s by a team of faculty (Donna Narsavage-Heald, Trudy Dickneider, David Marx, Timothy Foley, Joan Wasilewski) led by Michael Cann at the University of Scranton and has been migrated to the GCTLC. The subjects of the modules are based on winners of the Green Chemistry Challenge Awards. The modules were used to infuse green chemistry across the curriculum (courses: general chemistry, organic, advanced organic, biochemistry, environmental, industrial, polymer, inorganic, toxicology). Infusion of green chemistry across the curriculum provides students the understanding that green chemistry is not a field unto itself but impacts all areas of chemistry. Having been exposed to many green chemistry examples students are likely to think green in their ensuing careers. The resources are provided as is in their original form, for reference and archival purposes. Therefore, some of the material may no longer be current, and some links may no longer be active. An interesting project would be to update the material in this module.

This polymer chemistry module discusses the problem of scale buildup in industrial water handling processes and the use of antiscalants, focusing on polyacrylate (PAC) as a common antiscalant. PAC is synthesized through the free radical polymerization of acrylic acid, followed by conversion to polyacrylate through reaction with a base. PAC functions as both an antiscalant and a dispersant, preventing scale formation and keeping scale particles suspended in fluid. Additionally, PAC can be cross-linked using a multifunctional vinyl monomer, leading to applications such as superabsorbent materials in diapers. The module then introduces thermal polyaspartate (TPA) as a green alternative to PAC, synthesized from L-aspartic acid. TPA offers similar properties to PAC but is biodegradable, decomposing into environmentally benign products. The synthesis of TPA involves the step growth polymerization of aspartic acid to polysuccinimide, followed by ring opening with aqueous sodium hydroxide to form polyaspartate. The Donlar Corporation developed a commercial process for producing TPA, leading to its use as a corrosion and scale inhibitor, dispersing agent, wastewater additive, superabsorber, and agricultural polymer. The commercial availability of TPA has resulted in reduced environmental impact, with applications in reducing fertilizer runoff in agriculture. Various references provide further information on the synthesis, properties, and applications of PAC and TPA, as well as their environmental impact and industrial significance.

Major funding for this project came from The Camille and Henry Dreyfus Foundation Special Grant Program in the Chemical Sciences. The ACS/EPA Green Chemistry Educational Materials Development Project and the University of Scranton provided additional funding.

This module is also available in Spanish and Portuguese versions.