A facile and green route to terpene derived acrylate and methacrylate monomers and simple free radical polymerisation to yield new renewable polymers and coatings

We present new acrylic monomers derived directly from abundant naturally available terpenes via a facile, green and catalytic approach. These monomers can be polymerised to create new polymers with a wide range of mechanical properties that positions them ideally for application across the commodity and specialty plastics landscape; from packaging, cosmetic and medical, through to composites and coatings. We demonstrate their utility through formation of novel renewable polymer coatings

Does technology and Innovation Management improve Market Position? Empirical Evidence from Innovating Firms in South Africa

There is a growing recognition of the central role of technology and knowledge management for market success of organizations. Little is empirically know, however, about this relationship. Drawing on the South African Innovation Survey, a unique dataset on innovative behavior of South African firms in manufacturing and services, this paper investigates the question to what extent and in which ways do technology and innovation management activities affect firms’ market position. Findings show that conducting technology strategy activities pays out. Moreover, especially a combination of internal and external technology audits seems to be beneficial for organizational performance

Toward Defining the Intersection of Forensics and Information Technology, Volume 4, Issue 1, spring 2005

Information technology has become infused with many aspects of everyday life. Naturally, aspects of information technology have become more common in both civil and criminal law. However, the people called upon to address these technological issues are typically versed exclusively in either law or technology. The authors contend that a new discipline is emerging from the intersection of forensics and information technology. They argue for a formalization of the process by which this discipline evolves and a broadening of the definitions currently in place. A case study is presented to illustrate the shortcomings of current, narrowly defined terms and the need for individuals with broader expertise. The authors conclude by proposing some of these areas of expertise

Degradable Thermosets Derived from an Isosorbide/Succinic Anhydride Monomer and Glycerol

Isosorbide is a renewable chemical of considerable interest as a monomer and monomer precursor due to its potential use in replacements for fossil-fuel derived polymers. In the present study, a facile microwave-assisted condensation of isosorbide with succinic anhydride was developed that dramatically reduced the reaction time. The resulting isosorbide disuccinic acid derivative (I-S-2) was polymerized under solvent-free conditions with glycerol to produce a renewable, cross-linked polyester with high modulus and appreciable thermal stability. Inclusion of 13 wt % or more of low molar mass hydroxy-telechelic poly­(ethylene oxide) (PEO) (<i>M</i>_n = 300 g/mol) produced materials with a notable decrease in modulus and glass transition temperature. Degradation studies at 50 °C in acidic and basic solutions demonstrated the ability of the I-S-2 thermosets to be readily hydrolyzable. Furthermore, the resulting aqueous degradation solutions can be concentrated and reheated to produce new materials, albeit with a reduction in tensile properties. These I-S-2/glycerol thermosets represent economic, sustainable materials with tunable mechanical properties