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Completed TRL 2 (started at 1, targeting 3)
The goal of the work proposed in this CAN agreement is to now produce scaled-up batches of ionic HP polymer + IL composites and demonstrate the formation of parts through 3-D printing and conventional manufacturing techniques. Bara’s lab is able to produce filament feedstocks of the ionic HP polymer + IL composites using the 3Devo Advance extruder in Bara’s laboratory. Furthermore, conventional techniques (e.g., molding, pressing) can also be used to produce films and other objects from the ionic HP polymer + IL composites. The success of this scale-up, extrusion and printing will bring these composites close to maturity and make them viable candidates for use in developing lightweight components for use in NASA missions. We would expect that follow-on work with NASA and/or commercialization efforts be devoted to printing specific part designs for applied testing, and formulation of customer-specific materials based application-specific target thermal and mechanical conditions.
Additionally, during this project we will continue to explore new types/configurations of ionic HP materials containing cationic benzimidazolium and anionic sulfonimide linkages as they can provide many more options for control over polymer properties and function, as well as yield materials that are of lower cost. Such materials are also fully compatible with ILs in the same manner as the cationic HP polymers currently under investigation.
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