Patented Xerox process makes it easier to create powerful, customized polymers; 'Stable free-radical polymerization' technique available for licensing, can be used to design materials for paints, auto parts, packaging and more.

M2 PRESSWIRE-21 August 2002-XEROX: Patented Xerox process makes it easier to create powerful, customized polymers; 'Stable free-radical polymerization' technique available for licensing, can be used to design materials for paints, auto parts, packaging and more (C)1994-2002 M2 COMMUNICATIONS LTD

RDATE:08202002

Boston -- Even the most experienced chemists and chemical engineers can spend a lot of time, money and trial-and-error to formulate a new plastic or related material for specific products. But Xerox Corporation scientists have discovered an easier way to design novel polymers - allowing polymer and chemical manufacturers to precisely and efficiently control the structure and therefore properties of polymer molecules to synthesize brand-new materials.

The process, called "stable free-radical polymerization," essentially helps chemists manipulate molecular architecture with great precision. It will be described in a paper presented tomorrow at the American Chemical Society national meeting, held this week in Boston. Presenter Barkev Keoshkerian, a member of the research staff at the Xerox Research Centre of Canada in Mississauga, Ontario, is part of a team of Xerox scientists who develop advanced materials technology.

The simple, low-cost process is especially applicable to polymers such as acrylates, styrenes and dienes. Potential product applications include a range of synthetic materials, such as coatings and paints, adhesives, cosmetics, food packaging insulation, automobile and appliance parts, tires and even shoe soles.

Xerox has been working on the development of the SFRP technique for internal use and also for a broader set of external applications. A portfolio of about 35 patents protects the technology.

Stable free-radical polymerization technology and know-how is available for licensing from Xerox. Among the other Xerox materials technology available for license and showcased at the ACS's concurrent Technology Transfer Forum this week are: