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PET
Nanocomposites for Beverage Container Applications--TDA
Research, Inc., 12345 West 52nd Avenue, Wheat Ridge, CO
80033-1917; 303-940-2302, www.tda.com
Dr.
Ronald L. Cook, Principal Investigator, cookrl@tda.com
Mr.
John D. Wright, Business Official, jdwright@tda.com
DOE
Grant No. DE-FG02-03ER83793
Amount:
$100,000
The production of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles for beverages
is far more environmentally benign and energy efficient than metal or glass
production. A PET bottle can be made
using 1/3 the energy needed for an equivalently-sized aluminum can, and both are
recyclable. However, PET
containers have captured only about 20% of the soft drink and beer container
market because PET provides a poor barrier to the transmission of oxygen and
carbon dioxide. Loss of carbon
dioxide leaves soft drinks and beer flat, and the presence of oxygen
"sours" beer. This project
will improve the barrier properties of PET, while retaining its esthetic (i.e.,
clarity) properties, through the implementation of a properly designed, non-clay
nanoparticle. Phase I will prepare
surface-modified nanoparticles that are readily dispersible in PET and do not
have reactive ammonium groups that cause PET degradation. Mechanical
and barrier properties will be measured, and the best samples will undergo
additional processing and testing.
Commercial Applications and Other
Benefits
as described by awardee: With
minimal modification, the new
nanoparticle additives developed for PET could be used in a wide range of
polyester and polyvinylchloride plastics. Because
of their low cost and wide range of desirable properties, these plastics account
for a significant fraction of the polymers used in the