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INSTRUMENTAL POLYMER TECHNOLOGIES, LLC

Address

717 LAKEFIELD RD STE B
WESTLAKE VILLAGE, CA, 91361-2694
USA

UEI: U845XEB9BMU5

Number of Employees: 20

HUBZone Owned: No

Woman Owned: No

Socially and Economically Disadvantaged: No

SBIR/STTR Involvement

Year of first award: 2010

Phase I Awards

Phase II Awards

37.5%

Conversion Rate

$817,541

Phase I Dollars

$825,000

Phase II Dollars

$1,642,541

Total Awarded

Awards

Up to 10 of the most recent awards are being displayed. To view all of this company's awards, visit the Award Data search page.

BIOPOLYURETHANE DISPERSIONS WITH BIOCROSSLINKER

Amount: $97,551 Topic: 8.800000000000001

This project addresses objectives within the Section 8.8 Biofuels and Biobased Products andparticularly those within the subtopic 8.8.1 New Non-food Biobased Products from NewIndustrial Crops. It will use industrial crops to supply raw materials for one of the fastestgrowing fields of plastics; that being polyurethane dispersions (PUDs). The global PUD marketis expected to reach $2.4 Billion by 2023 with a compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of7.1%. This is a perfect timing to replace current PUDs that are derived from petrochemicalswith PUD's derived from industrial crops. INSTRUMENTAL POLYMER TECHNOLOGIES(IPTECH) has the experience and capabilities to achieve this goal.IPTECH will use a nonisocyanate synthetic route to the polyurethane in which a primaryaliphatic amine reacts with a cyclic carbonate. During this project IPTECH will synthesize twomonomers that will contribute particular toughness and chemical resistance to the PUD. We willalso utilize a unique proprietary crosslinker for the PUD called QUICKSTAR 94XAC that isproduced from biosourced raw materials. This crosslinker developed by IPTECH has been soldfor the last 8 years to current manufacturers of PUDs. It's unique in being able to be stored in theemulsion for extended periods of time however crosslinking the emulsion particles once acoating is formed. This crosslinker will enable the PUD developed in this project to haveperformance properties that can compete not only with current PUD systems but conventionalsolvent born two component polyurethane systems.IPTECH currently sells polymers to manufacturers and coatings adhesives sealants andelastomers as well as to manufacturers of PUDs. We will be able to utilize our current productionand distribution capability as well as our relationships with coatings adhesive sealants andPUD manufacturers for launching this technology.

SBIR

Phase I

2020

USDA

Melt Recyclable Polymer Concrete Using Recovered Concrete Aggregate and Unique Thermosetting Thermoplastic Polycarbonate

Amount: $100,000 Topic: 19-NCER-5A

This project will develop a new type of polymer concrete using recycled concrete aggregate (RCA) and a proprietarysustainable and biodegradable thermosetting thermoplastic polycarbonate that has the performance properties ofcurrent polymer concrete, but can be melt processed and recycled like asphalt. Consequently it will be morepractical than current polymer concrete in large scale applications like roadways and structures. In so doing it willaccomplish two goals, it will become a large user of RCA, but will also make high performing polymer concrete even more environmentally friendly than cement concrete. It’s performance and easy moldability will also helpdesigners continue their introduction of concrete in household applications like countertops, tables and tiles thatcurrently use marble, granite, steel, etc. but in an environmentally friendly way.Concrete is the single most widely used manufactured material in the world, with over 10 billion tons beingproduced each year. Currently 60% of interstate roads in the U.S. are paved with concrete, in lieu of asphalt. Finding use for RCA is essential, not only to minimize spent concrete’s volume in landfills, but also to minimize the amountof mining for aggregate. But during the last 30 years, polymer concrete, in which polymer binds aggregate rather than cement, is becoming more popular and is replacing cement concrete in many pplications. Though its growth isstrong, it’s being hindered by the fact that all polymer concrete systems are two component systems with a very short work life. Unfortunately polymer concrete is also an environmental burden. The polymers used are generallyepoxy, polyesters and styrene that are toxic and have unsustainable roots.The project will develop and utilize a new version of a thermosetting thermoplastic invented by Instrumental Polymer Technologies, LLC, (IPTECH) that is a rigid, crosslinked plastic under ambient conditions, however, has a chemical functionality built in so that upon heating to a certain temperature the resin fragments and becomes a liquid. Upon cooling the plastic once again crosslinks. Consequently the plastic processes like a thermoplastic, but performs like a thermoset plastic. This project will meet the worlds needs for higher performing concrete, but with a system that is recyclable, sustainable and capable of absorbing the worlds supply of spent cement concrete. IPTECH will produce and sell their polymer technology and RCA to manufacturers of polymer concrete using IPTECH’s current distribution network.

SBIR

Phase I

2020

EPA

A GREEN AND UNIQUE THERMOSETTING-THERMOPLASTIC POLYCARBONATE

Amount: $300,000 Topic: 16-NCER-2B

Of the 300 million tons of plastic produced per year most will require 500 years to biodegrade. Currently only 9% is recycled, and 50 million tons of thermoset plastic produced annually that can't be recycled. _x000D_ _x000D_ This project will develop a sustainable and easily biodegradable polycarbonate plastic that is uniquely a recyclable thermoset resin. We call it a thermosetting thermoplastic because it processes like a thermoplastic, but performs like a thermoset. When heated over 110°C, the tough, cross-linked polymer network fragments into a low viscosity liquid, but upon cooling the resin once again crosslinks. Such a product will revolutionize the thermoset plastic market, not only by its environmental friendliness, but also by providing opportunity for easier processing, cost savings and high performance. Phase I revealed this technology enables powder coatings that cure at very low_x000D_ temperatures, hot melt adhesives that thermoset, glossy decorative coatings that can be spray applied by hot melt, moisture curing coatings that can be applied as thick films and injection moldable plastic that thermosets. These are huge advantages to these multibillion dollar sized markets and to which our company currently sells polycarbonate._x000D_ Our current production and sales infrastructure can be used to sell this technology.

SBIR

Phase II

2018

EPA

A Green and Unique Thermosetting-Thermoplastic Polycarbonate

Amount: $99,990 Topic: 16-NCER-2B

Of the 300 million tons of plastic produced per year most will take over 100 years to biodegrade. Though there is a growing ability to recycle thermoplastic, there is a 3.7% annual growth in the 50 million tons of thermoset plastic which can't be recycled. _x000D_ _x000D_ This project will develop a completely sustainable aliphatic polycarbonate plastic that is uniquely a recyclable thermoset resin. It has the processability of a thermoplastic, but the structural integrity, chemical resistance and_x000D_ adhesion of a thermoset. When heated over 120°C, the tough, crosslinked polymer network fragments into a low viscosity liquid. But this process is reversible. Upon cooling the material once again crosslinks within 6 hours. Such a product will revolutionize the thermoset plastic market that usually has to heat cure their parts. We have already received interest from companies who produce truck bed liners, rail car liners, bowling balls and polyurethane wheels._x000D_ _x000D_ Ultimately, because of its high performance, this material will also displace much of the larger thermoplastics market. Because of its unique structure, this product will biodegrade faster than other plastics or even commercial_x000D_ polycarbonate. And the biodegredation products are safe for the environment.

SBIR

Phase I

2017

EPA

SBIR Phase I: Dendrimers for Fast-Drying, High-Solids, Nonisocyanate Coatings which Yield High Wear Resistance Finishes

Amount: $150,000 Topic: MN

The broader impact/commercial potential of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project is to help coatings companies meet the goals of the EPA for reducing the amount of solvent and toxic isocyanate used in the large automotive, yachts and aviation refinish markets. In doing so it will also bring back polymer manufacturing to the United States, which has largely moved to Europe. The vehicle refinish markets have a difficult time moving towards using less solvent in their coatings because such coatings generally require a long time to dry. This leads to collection of dust in the high gloss finish, which then needs to be sanded and buffed. The nanotechnolgy of this project will constitute solid spherical polymers, known as dendrimers, which liquefy with only a small amount of solvent. The technology of this project will be enthusiastically accepted by the repaint facilities because the one component fast drying capability of the coatings will reduce the energy use of heat curing and will reduce waste they have from mixing multicomponent coatings. This technology will also reduce the painter's exposure to the toxic isocyanates currently used to cure polyurethane coatings. The intellectual merit of this project, in its broadest sense, is to demonstrate that the complex molecular structure required for nanotechnology, and particularly the cell like structure of spherical dendrimers, can be most cost effectively produced by using a biomimetic process in which the specific shape evolves with time during its production. Dendrimers are currently very expensive because they are made in the step by step process of classic chemistry. Their use is therefore generally limited to markets like medicine or electronics which can afford their high cost. This project attempts to prove that this need not be the case. More specifically this project will break the general assumption that high solids coatings require longer times to dry and increase costs. The spherical shape of these dendrimers will be used to demonstrate that low viscosity, sprayable coatings can be created using very little solvent, but can lacquer dry within minutes at ambient conditions into a hard coating upon evaporation of the solvent.

SBIR

Phase I

2015

NSF

Soy-Capped Polycarbonate Dendrimers for Tough, Sustainable Water-Based Wood Coatings

Amount: $300,000 Topic: B

The environmental impact of wood coatings has become a pressing issue as the manufacturing of wooden products such as flooring, cabinetry, furniture and doors moves back to the United States amidst rising labor costs overseas. For 30 years, the bulk of these products have been painted in countries with lax environmental regulations, allowing the use of inexpensive but environmentally hazardous oil-based alkyd coatings.Wood furniture manufacturers in the United States generally use polyurethane coatings with low volatile organic components (VOCs). In fact, this niche portion of the wood furniture coatings market is the largest use for polyurethane coatings. But they are too expensive for use on most wood furniture and are also based on toxic and unsustainable chemistry. Ideal would a low cost and sustainable, oil-based polymer system that had no VOCs, could clean up with water, and offered the wear and stain resistance of polyurethane coatings. It would help manufacturers compete for the bulk wood products business while also motivate them to replace environmentally toxic polyurethane with a green coatings technology.Ironically, the best source for inexpensive, high performance oil-based polymer is nanotechnology. Instrumental Polymer Technologies has developed a unique evolution polymerization process to produce high molecular weight dendrimers at low cost and with sustainable raw materials. Dendrimers are spherical polymers that branch out from their center, resulting in a specific core and surface, like a cell. In Phase I, the company demonstrated the synthesis of high molecular weight dendrimers with a core of tough polycarbonate and with soy methyl ester, otherwise known as common biodiesel, attached to the dendrimer’s surface. Amino acids were bound to the core to achieve water dispersibility. With viscosity only slightly higher than oil, the dendrimers had the unique property of being able to be applied as 100 percent solids, but easily dispersed in water for easy cleanup. Air dried films had properties nearing that of polyurethane coatings. They also were found to create a uniquely smooth, high gloss finish that will reduce sanding and buffing steps. In Phase II, Instrumental Polymer Technologies will develop the concept into a marketable product which is cheaper than alkyds but with performance equivalent to that of polyurethane coatings. The resulting dendrimers will marketed as a raw material to wood coatings producers through the current distribution network. Several coatings manufacturers have already shown interest in sampling the technology. Production will use reactors currently usedfor polycarbonate polyol production.

SBIR

Phase II

2014

EPA

Soy-Capped Polycarbonate Dendrimers for Tough, Sustainable Water Based Wood Coatings

Amount: $80,000 Topic: B

The environmental impact of wood coatings has become a pressing issue as the manufacturing of wooden products such as flooring, cabinetry, furniture and doors is moving back to the United States amidst rising labor costs overseas. For the last thirty years the bulk of these products have been painted in countries with lax environmental regulations, allowing the use of inexpensive but environmentally hazardous oil-based alkyd coatings.§Wood furniture manufacturers in the United States have focused on using polyurethane coatings with low volatile organic components (VOCs). In fact, this niche portion of the wood furniture coatings market is the largest use for polyurethane coatings. But it is too expensive to be used for the majority of wood furniture manufacturing. It’s also based on toxic and unsustainable chemistry. Ideal would be a low cost and sustainable, oil-based polymer system which was water based and had not VOCs and which offered the wear and stain resistance of polyurethane coatings. It would help our manufactures compete for the bulk wood products business while also tempting them to replace environmentally toxic polyurethane with a green coatings technology. §Ironically an ideal source for such a low-cost oil-based polymer is nanotechnology. Our company has developed a unique evolution polymerization process to produce high molecular weight dendrimers at low cost and with sustainable raw materials. Dendrimers are spherical polymers which branch out from their center, resulting in a specific core and surface, like a cell. In this project, we will produce high molecular weight dendrimers with a tough and chemically resistant polycarbonate core. Soy methyl ester, otherwise known as common biodiesel, will be attached to dendrimer’s surface to yield a fast drying, low cost, alkyd. Amino acids will be bound in the core to contribute water solubility. Upon cure, the amino acidswill be tucked away in the core of dendrimer so the resulting film id hydrophobic and stain resistant. Methanol produced as the only distillate byproduct will be reused by a biodiesel producer for further production of biodiesel.

SBIR

Phase I

2013

EPA

SBIR Phase I: Evolution Polymerization of Polycarbonate Dendrimers for High-Gloss, Wear Resistant and 100% Solids Coatings

Amount: $150,000 Topic: NM

This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project aims to use a cost-effective process of polymeric evolution to yield hydroxyl-terminated aliphatic polycarbonate dendrimers of precise shape to be used in formulating 100% solids two-component polyurethane coatings. The highly-crosslinked core will provide hardness, chemical resistance and toughness in the cured coating. The surface will be chemically modified to reduce viscosity and improve flow. The shape of the dendrimers will be designed to delay the activity of the catalyst, extending the pot life, while also allowing the release of the catalyst for a quick cure. The broader/commercial impact of this project will be the potential to make 100% solids two-component polyurethane coatings more widely accepted. Currently the short pot life of two-component polyurethane coatings relative to the cure time has limited their applications. By providing extended pot life and increased performance, the dendrimers to be developed in this project is expected to enable the widespread adoption of zero-volatile, thus more environmentally-friendly, two-component polyurethane coatings.

SBIR

Phase I

2011

NSF

Silane-Terminated Aliphatic Polycarbonate Dendrimer Solutions for Environmentally Green Coatings

Amount: $225,000

Polyurethane (PU) coatings continue to be a detriment to the environment. As long as compliance leads to higher costs for coatings manufacturers and applicators, tighter regulation will lead to increased resistance by these companies or ultimately will shift production to less regulated areas. The ideal situation would be if environmentally friendly practices led to lower costs for coatings manufacturers and applicators. This is not impossible. The key is to lower the labor costs for the paint applicator with an environmentally friendly coating system. A single component coating that requires no primer would be both a cost and environmental benefit. If coupled with 0% volatile organic components (0 VOC), and higher performance and nontoxic corrosion inhibitors, painting labor and material costs would be reduced along with VOCs and waste. Everyone wins. However, to achieve this, a large jump in resin technology is needed. Dendrimeric polymers, one of the four macromolecular architectures of nanotechnology, have unique properties to help achieve these goals. Unfortunately, these polymers currently are too expensive for the general coatings market. Instrumental Polymer Technologies, LLC, (IP TECH) has developed a method called evolution polymerization to make hydroxyl-terminated aliphatic polycarbonate dendrimers for a price competitive with common polyols. In Phase I of this project IP TECH used this method to produce silane-terminated dendrimers as 0 VOC solutions in a cost effective manner. IP TECH also demonstrated that their condensation leads to adhesion and physical properties that not only match, but exceed those of current polyurethane coatings. Furthermore, the core of the dendrimers were shown to be able to store a reservoir of nontoxic, hydrophobic corrosion inhibitors. The product is near ready to launch and IP TECH already has sampled to customers wanting abrasion and chemically resistant thin coats. The technology is also near ready for customers who commonly heat cure polyurethane coatings. Work needs to be done to reduce the cure time as a thick coating. In Phase II the cost and dry time of the product will be reduced to allow a broader launch into the polyurethane coatings market. Two methods have been determined and will be exploited. The resulting solutions will be produced and marketed as a raw material to coatings producers by IP TECH through a distribution network that already is established. Production will use reactors IP TECH currently uses for polycarbonate polyol production. Costs are currently in line with commercial polyurethane dispersions.

SBIR

Phase II

2011

EPA

Silane-Terminated Aliphatic Polycarbonate Dendrimer Solutions for Environmentally Green Coatings

Amount: $70,000

Polyurethane (PU) coatings continue to be a detriment to the environment. As long as compliance leads to higher costs for coatings manufacturers and applicators, tighter regulation will lead to increased resistance by these companies or ultimately will shift production to less-regulated areas. The ideal situation would be if environmentally friendly practices led to lower costs for coatings manufacturers and applications. Although a difficult goal, it is not impossible. The key is to lower the labor costs for the paint applicator. Fewer coatings layers, faster dry time, and less rework can be both a cost benefit and an environmental benefit. If coupled with a zero-VOC coating system, nontoxic corrosion inhibitors, and a one-component system to lower waste and inventory, everyone wins. To achieve this, however, a large jump in resin technology is needed. Dendrimeric polymers, one of the four macromolecular architectures of nanotechnology, have unique properties to help achieve these goals. Unfortunately, these polymers are currently too expensive for the general coatings market. Instrumental Polymer Technologies, LLC (IP TECH), however, has developed a method called evolution polymerization to make hydroxyl-terminated aliphatic polycarbonate dendrimers for a price competitive with common polyols. In Phase I of this project, IP TECH will demonstrate the feasibility of producing silane-terminated polycarbonate dendrimers as zero-VOC organic sol-gel solution in water. IP TECH will demonstrate that condensation of silane-terminated dendrimers leads to quick curing with excellent adhesion and physical properties. IP TECH also will demonstrate the use of the dendrimer core to store a large reservoir of nontoxic, hydrophobic corrosion inhibitors. In Phase II, the product line will be developed, scaled up, and readied for market. This project will result in a primer-less coating that saves time with applicators by: requiring no priming, having a topcoat that dries faster, and requiring no mixing of components prior to spraying and when the pot life has been reached. The resulting solution will be produced and marketed as a raw material to coatings producers by IP TECH through a distribution network that it already has established. Production will use a reactor that IP TECH currently uses for polycarbonate polyol production. The costs will be in line with current PU resin systems. Customers will be given the option of purchasing the dendrimers containing corrosion inhibitors in solution or without.

SBIR

Phase I

2010

EPA