Initiator for surface-based polymerization and use thereof
AssigneeUniversity of South Carolina
InventorsAnand Viswanath, Brian C. Benicewicz, Michael H. Bell
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Abstract
Disclosed are polymerization initiators as may be utilized for addition of polymers to a substrate surface. The initiators are azo-based initiators that include multi-functionality through addition of multiple anchoring agents to an inner azo group. Disclosed polymerization initiators can be utilized to form high density and high molecular weight polymers on a surface such as a particulate surface. Formed materials can be beneficial in one embodiment in fracking applications, providing composite proppant/polymer materials that can prevent leakage of polymers from a subterranean geologic formation.
Claims20
A composite particle comprising a polymerization initiator bonded to a surface of a particle, the polymerization initiator comprising an azo-group comprising a first and second end, a first anchoring agent and a second anchoring agent, the first and second anchoring agents being bonded to the first and second ends, respectively, of the azo-group, at least one of the first and second anchoring agents being bonded to the surface of the particle.
A method for forming a composite particle comprising a particle and a polymer at the surface of the polymer, the method comprising:
- bonding a polymerization initiator at a surface of the particle, the polymerization initiator comprising an azo-group comprising a first and second end, a first anchoring agent and a second anchoring agent, the first and second anchoring agents being bonded to the first and second ends, respectively, of the azo-group, at least one of the first and second anchoring agents being bonded to the surface of the particle;
- and
- bonding the polymer to the surface of the particle via the polymerization initiator.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.