The advent of controlled process chemistry by using flow parameters and microconfinement or micromixing has enabled far more efficient and high yielding reactions especially in organic synthesis and the development of new pharmaceutics or drugs. However, not much has been reported on its application in polymerization and nanoscale materials synthesis. Polymers and nanomaterials are essential in any manufacturing and recycling environment and must be continued in space.  In the outer space environment and under microgravity conditions, there is limited space for production and storage of vital reagents or nutritional necessities. The synthesis of polymers and nanomaterials allows for the in-situ and real-time production of materials necessary for the production of plastics, hydrogels, surfactants, proteins, etc. Nanomaterials that include metal, metal oxide, carbon, and silica are important for utilization in catalysis, dyes, sensors, drug delivery, etc. In this talk, we will show the possibilities for polymerization and nanomaterials synthesis under flow chemistry conditions and their possible using in nanostructuring and nanocomposite applications. This can be done by producing better pressure, volume, and temperature control often reaching supercritical or optimized flow conditions. For example, we wil report our recent results in living free radical polymerization, microparticle modification methods, and nanoparticle synthesis. Finally, we will discuss the possibilities and importance for doing this in Space and also under microgravity conditions.<br/>

Polymers and nanomaterials for space manufacturing: Flow chemistry demonstration

2019 Spring National Meeting

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.