Background information: National Technologies and Engineering Solutions of Sandia (NTESS) has developed monomers which exhibit low and tunable coefficients of thermal expansion (CTE) to eliminate problems with CTE mismatch; the incorporation of the monomer into polymers reduces CTE without the need for fillers. As an example, when added to an epoxy, the unoptimized system showed a ~70% reduction in CTE in the glassy regime relative to an unfilled epoxy control. Above its glass transition temperature, the material exhibited a negative coefficient of thermal expansion ( i.e. massive contraction). Interested respondents are advised to refer to the following manuscript for additional background information: Foster, J. C., Staiger, C. L., Dugger, J. W., and Redline, E. M. Tuning Epoxy Thermomechanics via Thermal Isomerization: A Route to Negative Coefficient of Thermal Expansion Materials https://doi.org/10.1021/acsmacrolett.1c00312 Opportunity Description: NTESS is seeking collaborations with members of industry who have proven experience in at least one of two areas: 1) small molecule organic synthesis, evaluation, and scaleup and/or 2) development and testing new polymer formulations , especially epoxies and urethanes. Potential applications include, but are not limited to: potting, adhesives, printed circuit boards, structural composites, foams, etc. Through this collaboration, the synthetic routes of one or more candidate molecules will be evaluated, optimized, and scaled up to a minimum of 1 kg/batch. The material will be used in formulation of epoxies, urethanes, or other polymers and the polymers evaluated for thermal, mechanical, and electrical properties. Qualified respondents will perform synthesis and scale-up; this may be done in-house or via a toll manufacturer. Qualified respondents will work with NTESS in the characterization of novel, low/negative CTE polymers synthesized via this collaboration. The NTESS technical team is available for 1:1 discussions upon request with the interested commercial parties to cover applicable polymers and application spaces. Please email Erica Redline at
[email protected] to set up a discussion with the NTESS technical team. What NTESS Brings to the Collaboration: NTESS has developed a new way to combat CTE mismatch in polymers using unique, thermally contracting molecules. In the course of this work, researchers at NTESS have reached limitations on large scale process development of our novel molecules. NTESS will provide relevant chemistries and synthetic routes used to create those molecules. NTESS will use material from the collaborator and/or toll manufacturer to evaluate thermal, electrical, and mechanical properties relevant to NTESS that will be shared with collaborators. NTESS will further assist in co-development of low and negative CTE polymers/formulations with properties relevant to collaborators by modifying functionality of molecules at a laboratory scale and providing synthetic routes to partners. NTESS will document findings in a comprehensive final technical report. Information Sought: A detailed description of relevant background experience, expertise, and capabilities that could be brought into a collaboration with NTESS is being sought. The following information is requested: Information on in-house ability to perform organic synthesis and scale-up OR declaration of ability to finance synthesis at toll manufacturer (with at least one US-based partner). A description of the industry partner’s experience, expertise, and capabilities to develop epoxy, urethane or other polymer formulations. A brief profile of the company. A description of other relevant experience, expertise, and capabilities that the industry partner feels distinguishes their firm. Examples of successfully bringing a new polymer, molecule, or product to market. A description of past experience partnering with Research and Development organizations such as Federally Funded Research and Development Centers (FFRDC), Universities, National Laboratories, or Government Laboratories to develop and test polymers successfully. Additional relevant information that may enhance NTESS’s understanding of industry collaborators’ goals for the collaboration. Instructions to Respondents: Interested industrial partners that meet the Mandatory Requirements provided below are invited to respond to this FBO. Any information provided in response to this FBO will not be returned. Any and all responses are voluntary and NTESS will not pay for any information in response to this FBO. Only electronic submissions will be accepted. Reponses should be emailed to Erica Redline (
[email protected]) and should include the FBO title and submitting organizations name in the subject line. Attachment sizes should not exceed 5 MB and only the following document types will be accepted (.doc, .docx., .pdf). Responses should be submitted electronically no later than 5:00 PM MDT on DATE and should not exceed 7 pages including attachments (12 point font, single spacing). Evaluation Criteria: NTESS will evaluate all the responses and select prospective parties with which to engage in further discussion based upon the following criteria, pursuant to NTESS Technology Transfer mission (more than one respondent may be selected): Mandatory: Meet the DOE requirement of enhancement or accrual of economic and technological benefits to the U.S. domestic economy through the technology transfer Required by DOE in the Technology Transfer Act of 1989. Collaborate with NTESS to optimize synthetic process and deliver a minimum of 100 g of at least one monomer of interest to SNL/partner via in-house synthesis or toll manufacturer. Demonstrate a willingness to co-develop new polymers/polymer formulations for use in their industry. Work with NTESS to evaluate critical-to-quality parameters not limited to thermal, mechanical, electrical or other properties of interest of polymers developed. The terms of the partnership must comply with Federal Export Control requirements per the Department of State This is embodied in the regulations in USC: Title 22 Foreign Relations and the DOE Prime Contract # DE-NA0003525 Desired: A U.S. firm able to enter into a CRADA agreement with NTESS to develop new low and negative CTE polymers. Demonstrated experience, expertise, and capabilities in: Small molecule organic synthesis OR ability to partner with US toll manufacturer Polymer formulating, testing, and evaluation Demonstrated experience in using the new polymers/formulations in technologies to relevant -field applications Demonstrated successful collaborative relationships with R&D organizations Desire solutions to CTE mismatch issues in their relevant field(s). Willingness to further scale selected monomers/polymers for potential large-scale application/production. A potential partner able to provide funds into NTESS to dedicate select NTESS staff to work side-by-side in implementation efforts. NTESS is interested in developing a pool of industrial partners, who focus on mutually exclusive polymers and/or application spaces for the specific task of creating tailored CTE materials for their companies. Primary Point of Contact: Erica Redline Research & Development Chemist Sandia National Laboratories
[email protected] 505-845-9161 Keywords Polymer, epoxy, urethane, coefficient of thermal expansion, mismatch, CTE mismatch mitigation