This proposal requests funds to permit Dr. Chang Dae Han, Department of Chemical Engineering, Polytechnic University, to pursue with Dr. Sung Chul Kim, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, for a period of 24 months, a program of cooperative research on fundamental aspects of the polyurethane-unsaturated polyester interpenetrating network. Specifically, the collaborators will develop (1) kinetic models for describing the curing reactions of polyurethane-unsaturated polyester blends, (2) chemorheological models for describing the variation of the viscosity of these blends during curing, and (3) a mathematical model for simulating the pultrusion process of such blends. By establishing a firm basis for understanding the curing reactions of polyurethane-unsaturated polyester blends and determining the optimal processing conditions for yielding desired end-use properties, the researchers seek to be able to develop new resins or modify existing resins for specific applications and to better control processing operations. Although the proposed cooperative project is basic research on an important polymer blend system, its successful completion could have important implications for the development of new products tailored for specific applications. The two collaborators are highly respected scientists who have long been engaged in parallel studies on polymer systems. The present project will permit them to combine their complimentary talents and experience in important and interesting research. This project is relevant to the objectives of the U.S.-Korea Cooperative Science Program which seeks to increase the level of cooperation between U.S. and Korean scientists and engineers through the exchange of scientific information, ideas, skills, and techniques and through collaboration on problems of mutual benefit. The research will add an international cooperative dimension to ongoing research at Polytechnic University supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. MSM8744680.
