(766i) Novel Chemistries for the Replacement of Methylenedianiline in Composites Conference: AIChE Annual MeetingYear: 2017Proceeding: 2017 AIChE Annual MeetingGroup: Materials Engineering and Sciences DivisionSession: Structure and Properties in Polymers Time: Thursday, November 2, 2017 - 5:30pm-5:45pm Authors: Stanzione, J. F. III, Rowan University Stecca, O. M., Rowan University Bassett, A. W., Rowan University Cosgrove, J. D., Rowan University Schmalbach, K. M., Rowan University Sadler, J. M., Army Research Laboratory La Scala, J. J., Army Research Laboratory 4,4â Methylenedianiline (MDA) is utilized to produce high temperature epoxy resins as well as other high performance composites; however, MDA is a known carcinogen and liver toxin. The concerns over exposure to MDA have resulted in added safety measures that increase costs for manufacturing, driving the search for potential MDA replacements. Alternatives to MDA have not gained significant traction due to reduced performance, reduced confidence in the material, and they offer a small, if any, reduction in toxicity. In this paper, we present our work on developing structure-property-toxicity relationships of various substituted dianalines by examining the effect of molecular architecture on overall polymer performance and toxicity. Novel dianilines derived from both petroleum and biomass with different numbers and types of methyl and methoxy substituents on the aromatic ring were synthesized to eliminate toxicity and carcinogenic aspects of the resulting material while maintaining thermal and mechanical integrity. Structure-toxicity relationships indicate that multiple substituents on the aromatic ring are necessary to severely reduce the toxicity of the dianiline. Structure-property relationships show that methoxy groups reduce the glass transition temperature and thermal degradation temperature while methyl groups only slightly affect these properties. Topics: Sustainable Engineering Checkout This paper has an Extended Abstract file available; you must purchase the conference proceedings to access it. Checkout Do you already own this? Log In for instructions on accessing this content. Pricing Individuals AIChE Members $150.00 AIChE Graduate Student Members Free AIChE Undergraduate Student Members Free Non-Members $225.00