Recipient Organization
SOYLEI INNOVATIONS LLC
812 ASHWORTH RD
WEST DES MOINES,IA 50265
Performing Department
(N/A)
Non Technical Summary
The ReINVEST Phase I project, led by SoyLei Innovations LLC, focuses on developing an innovative, eco-friendly crack-seal technology for asphalt maintenance, utilizing high oleic soybean oil-based polymers. The project aims to revolutionize the crack-sealing process by replacing traditional, petroleum-based methods with a more sustainable, non-toxic, and ambient temperature cross-linking technology. This technology has the potential to significantly reduce environmental impacts, energy consumption, and safety risks associated with current asphalt maintenance practices. By leveraging bio-based materials, the project also supports agricultural industries and promotes sustainable practices. The primary goal is to create a crack-sealant that is not only environmentally friendly but also economically competitive and effective in extending the lifespan of roads and pavements.
Animal Health Component
40%
Research Effort Categories
Basic
10%
Applied
40%
Developmental
50%
Goals / Objectives
The ReINVEST project aims to develop aVitala Plus™Crack-Seal, a unique bio-derived solution that couples aspecialized soybean-based polymer and curative package tailored for this application. Unlike existing solutions, Vitala Plus™ Crack-Seal will be designed for low-temperature application using a vegetable oil-derived liquid polymer system that has the necessary chemistry (epoxy-thiol) to allow for rapid curing.
Project Methods
Based on the information provided, the methods for the ReINVEST Phase I project can be detailed as follows:1. Composition and Molecular Weight Analysis of Vitala Plus™ (Months 1-5)a. Characterization of Vitala Plus™:- Composition Analysis: Determine the specific composition of Vitala Plus™, which includes poly(acrylated epoxidized high oleic soybean oil) in sub-epoxidized soybean oil.- Molecular Weight Determination: Measure the molecular weight of Vitala Plus™ and understand its influence on the properties and curing performance of the polymer.b. Investigation of Variables Affecting Properties:- Acrylic Functionality: Examine how the acrylic functionality affects the curing performance and mechanical properties of the polymer.- Comonomers and Solvent Choice: Assess the impact of different comonomers and the choice of epoxidized solvent on the polymer's properties.c. Comparison with Commercial Sealants:- Rheology and Mechanical Properties: Measure and compare the rheology and dynamic mechanical properties of commercially available crack-sealants, including HMA hot seals and DIY-grade cold applied products, across various temperatures and frequencies.- Benchmarking DIY Products: Analyze DIY-grade products in terms of starting viscosities and modulus of the completed product over time.2. Molecular Weight Tuning for Property Controla. Viscosity Adjustment:- Radical Initiator Dosing: Utilize radical initiator dosing and reaction time to tune the viscosity of Vitala Plus™ precisely.- Acrylic Functionality Role: Investigate the role of acrylic functionality in reducing pre-cure viscosity, focusing on the viscosity differences between branched and linear polymers.b. Alternative Solvent Utilization:- Reactive Non-VOC Solvents: Explore the use of more reactive non-VOC solvents, such as butanediol diglycidyl ether, to enhance cross-link density and solution viscosity.c. Introduction of Comonomers:- Polymerization Process: Integrate comonomers during the polymerization process to modify properties like crosslink density, viscosity, and modulus.3. Curing Chemistry Variationa. Vitala Plus™ -M&M and Vitala Plus™ -Thiol Composition:- Chemical Composition Analysis: Examine the chemical composition and dosage of Vitala Plus™-M&M and Vitala Plus™-Thiol, focusing on their impact on curing speed and cross-link density.b. Curing Agents Study:- Amine and Thiol Analysis: Analyze the structures and roles of the vegetable oil-derived tertiary amine and thiol in the curing process.c. Optimization of Thiolation:- Degree of Thiolation: Optimize the degree of thiolation in Vitala Plus™ -Thiol to adjust the final modulus and pot-life of the product.4. Rheokinetic Analysisa. Small Volume Rheokinetics:- Rheometer Usage: Employ a rheometer for analyzing small volumes (1-2 grams) to efficiently screen curing kinetics.b. Design of Experiment (DOE) Approach:- DOE Implementation: Use DOE to manage the multiparameter system without exceeding the project scope.5. Formulation Optimization (Months 3-5)a. Incumbent Solution Characterization:- Standard Viscosity and Modulus Ranges: Determine the standard viscosity and modulus ranges for common crack-seal solutions.b. Preliminary Rheokinetics Exploration:- Baseline Establishment: Explore the rheokinetics of the proof-of-concept system to provide a baseline for DOE experiments.c. Formulation Optimizations:- DOE Findings Utilization: Use findings from earlier tasks and the DOE plan to optimize the formulation towards achieving low application viscosity, high cured modulus, and low cure time.6. Application Development and Formulation (Months 5-6)a. Color and Aesthetic Considerations:- Asphalt Incorporation: Study the effect of incorporating asphalt into the formulation on the rheokinetics of the cure and the qualitative contribution to the color of the crack-seal.b. Adhesion and Texture Improvement:- Fine Aggregate Incorporation: Consider adding fine aggregate or milled RAP to enhance mechanical stability and provide color and texture to the crack-sealer.7. Laboratory Demonstrations (Months 4-8)a. Formulation Efficacy Testing:- Crack Filling and Curing Tests: Conduct tests to evaluate the effectiveness of the formulation in filling cracks and its curing time.b. Mechanical and Adhesion Testing:- UTM and BBR Tests: Use Universal Testing Machine (UTM) and Bending Beam Rheology (BBR) to assess the mechanical performance and adhesion strength of the crack-sealant.