MATERIALS ENGINEERING AND TECHNICAL SUPPORT SERVICES CORP. — Environmental Protection Agency SBIR Phase I: 17-NCER-1C

Description

METSS proposes to design a novel polymer system based on polypropylene with covalently attached antioxidants to mitigate issues with chemical permeation and water quality with current waterpipe materials. Polypropylene was selected as it has inherently good physical properties and low permeability that will limit chemical migration from the outside, addressing one critical factor impacting water quality. Covalently bonding the antioxidant to the polymer backbone will address the other issue with water quality, which is migration of the conventional antioxidant out of the plastic and into the water. The proposed solution has broad applicability to food contact applications that use polypropylene. The Phase I program will address the production and characterization of the antioxidant-modified polypropylene material. Development of a practical solution to improve water pipes constructed of polypropylene will result in significant commercial benefits, including better water quality, cold and hot water operational capability, and recyclability. Real-world applications include plastic tubes and pipes, food packaging, and water and beverage bottles/containers.