Polycarbonate-polyolefin block copolymer resin
This technology creates a new type of hybrid plastic by chemically linking two well-known polymer families — polycarbonates (tough, transparent engineering plastics) and polyolefins (cheap, chemically resistant plastics like polyethylene or polypropylene) — into a single chain-like molecule called a block copolymer. The synthesis works by first attaching a hydroxyl-bearing aromatic group to the end of a polyolefin chain, then using that modified chain as a building block in a standard polycarbonate polymerization process. The result is a material that can combine the impact resistance and optical clarity of polycarbonate with the chemical resistance and low cost of polyolefins. This addresses a longstanding incompatibility problem: these two plastic families normally don't mix or bond well, limiting their use together in composite or blended systems.
What you could build
A drop-in specialty polymer resin sold to compounders, automotive parts makers, or packaging manufacturers who need materials with both the toughness of polycarbonate and the chemical resistance or processability of polyolefins — for example, under-hood automotive components, multi-layer packaging films, or compatibilizer additives for PC/polyolefin blends.
Who in Virginia should care
Specialty chemicals and polymer compounders operating in Virginia, or automotive tier suppliers in the region, would be plausible licensees or development partners.
Readiness: Lab validated
Concept — described but not yet demonstrated. Lab validated — supported by experimental results in the patent. Prototype likely — the text describes a built, working embodiment.
Readiness is inferred from the patent text, not from a lab visit.
The record
- Inventors
- —
- Granted
- May 14, 2019
- Status
- Granted patent
- Patent number
- 102833
Ready to talk?
Virginia Tech Intellectual Properties handles licensing for this technology.
Prosim summaries are generated from public patent text and are not legal advice.