Functionalization of Soluble Guayule Resins using Functional Dithiophosphoric Acids

Case ID:
UA22-278
Invention:

Functionalized polymers of a reaction product of a polymer including one or more olefins and a dithiophosphoric acid compound can provide a wide range of olefinic polymers in bulk-neat conditions or in solution via eletrophilic addition processes. Such new compositions provide a wide range of new functional polymers via an inexpensive polymer production process and as a route to low cost, specialty optical and flame retardant polymers. Suitable olefins include polybutadienes, polyisoprenes, natural soluble or gum rubber, guayule resins, polydienes, and cyclic olefins.  

Background:
Dithiophosphoric acids (DTPAs) can be readily made by the reaction of phosphorus pentasulfide (P2S5), or the dimeric form (P4S10) with alcohols (ROH) to form a mono-functional dithiophosphoric acid. While dithiophosphoric acids have long been known in organic synthesis, the application and utility of these molecules for polymer functionalization have not been developed.

Applications:

  • Production of natural rubber, soluble polydienes, synthetic SBR
  • Polynorbornene derivatives and other polymers derived from ring-opening metathesis
  • Any polymer containing an unsaturation
  • Optical polymers with high refractive index
  • Flame retardant polymers


Advantages:

  • Low cost raw materials
  • Neat/bulk or solution processing
  • New composition space for tuneability
Patent Information:
Contact For More Information:
Jonathan Larson
Senior Licensing Manager, College of Science
The University of Arizona
jonathanlarson@arizona.edu
Lead Inventor(s):
Dong-Chul Pyun
Jon Njardarson
Keywords: