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 Nicole Tratnik, University of Toronto
"Recyclable, self-strengthening starch-based epoxy vitrimer facilitated by exchangeable disulfide bonds"

2023 Honorable Mention

"Neighboring Group Participation in Ionic Covalent Adaptable Networks"

 Moretza Ziaee, Colorado State University 
"Additive Manufacturing of Thermosetting Polymers and Composites with Tunable Functional Properties via Frontal Polymerization"

Thermoset polymers and their composites have been traditionally used in many applications due to their good combination of mechanical properties, thermal stability, and chemical resistance. Adoption of thermosetting materials in additive manufacturing (AM) for rapid creation of prototypes or development of parts with complex geometries, however, has been limited by the long and energy-intensive curing processes often required for curing the monomer. Here, we present a novel AM technique to address the existing limitations with thermoset printing and manufacture thermoset parts with various functional properties. In our approach, we use direct ink writing (DIW) technique to controllably deposit a thermosensitive ink based on dicyclopentadiene and simultaneously cure and solidify the ink after it exits the printing nozzle via frontal polymerization. As a result, we can create freeform structures with no post-cure step, which is
difficult or impossible to achieve using other printing techniques. We also tailor the functional properties of the printed parts by controlling the composition, reactivity, and rheological properties of the inks. As a result, we can print thermoset parts with tunable mechanical properties from stretchable, elastomeric parts to stiff polymers to fiber-reinforced polymer composites and also 3D print foams with various densities and mechanical properties.

2022 Honorable Mention

 Alyssa Necaise, University of Southern Mississippi
"Layered Epoxide-Amine/Boron Nitride/Graphene Nanocomposites for Enhanced Multifunctional Shielding"

The rapid development of high-power electromagnetic wave sources in the modern era has the ability to interfere with aircraft electronics. Multifunctional nanoparticles have been used in aerospace grade matrices to combat this issue; however, little research has been conducted in multilayer orientations combining thermally and electrically conductive
species. Epoxide-amine matrices with electrically/thermally conductive nanoplateletswere prepared using tetragylcidal  4,4’-diamindodiphenylmethane (TGDDM), 4,4’- diaminodiphenylsulphone (DDS), and SU-8, an octa-functional cross-linking agent. Hexagonal boron nitride and graphene nanoplatelets were used as functional particles.
Multilayer thin film laminates were prepared. The dispersion, layer orientation, rheological properties, and electrical/thermal conductivity of the multifunctional systems were measured using parallel plate rheometry, SEM, optical microscopy, TGA, and 4-point probe electrical conductivity test analyses. FT-IR analysis was also conducted to quantify
the matrix advancement throughout the cure profile. The data collected indicated that incorporation of the functional platelets increases the viscosity of the system while improving the electrical conductivity and inherent shielding abilities of the polymer matrix.