Patents by Inventor John M. Torkelson

John M. Torkelson has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Publication number: 20230235133
    Abstract: Methods for forming polyolefin nanocomposite precursor compositions are provided. In embodiments, such a method comprises mixing a polyolefin, unmodified graphite, and a peroxide crosslinker via solid-state shear pulverization under conditions to form a polyolefin nanocomposite precursor composition comprising the polyolefin; exfoliated, unmodified graphite dispersed throughout the polyolefin; and unreacted peroxide crosslinker dispersed throughout the polyolefin, wherein the polyolefin is polyethylene, a copolymer of polyethylene, or combinations thereof. Methods of forming crosslinked polyolefin nanocomposites, the polyolefin nanocomposite precursor compositions, and crosslinked polyolefin nanocomposites are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2023
    Publication date: July 27, 2023
    Inventors: John M. Torkelson, Tong Wei
  • Publication number: 20230227702
    Abstract: Curable compositions for dynamic epoxy-based thermoset adhesives and/or sealants are provided. Methods of applying the compositions to form strong, low-stress, cured adhesive polymer films are also provided. The cured polymer films use crosslinkers that include disulfide and carbon-nitrogen bonds, wherein the disulfide bonds impart dynamic chemistry to the polymer network structure in order to the achieve adaptable thermoset adhesives and sealants.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2023
    Publication date: July 20, 2023
    Inventors: Lingqiao Li, Xi Chen, John M. Torkelson
  • Patent number: 11702501
    Abstract: Polythiourethane polymer networks that can be processed and/or recycled are provided. Also provided are methods of forming the polythiourethane polymer networks using excess thiol and/or a dual catalyst system and methods for reprocessing and recycling the polyurethane polymer networks. The polythiourethane polymer networks are based on thiourethane dynamic chemistry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2023
    Assignee: Northwestern University
    Inventors: John M. Torkelson, Lingqiao Li, Xi Chen
  • Patent number: 11643511
    Abstract: Methods for forming polyolefin nanocomposite precursor compositions are provided. In embodiments, such a method comprises mixing a polyolefin, unmodified graphite, and a peroxide crosslinker via solid-state shear pulverization under conditions to form a polyolefin nanocomposite precursor composition comprising the polyolefin; exfoliated, unmodified graphite dispersed throughout the polyolefin; and unreacted peroxide crosslinker dispersed throughout the polyolefin, wherein the polyolefin is polyethylene, a copolymer of polyethylene, or combinations thereof. Methods of forming crosslinked polyolefin nanocomposites, the polyolefin nanocomposite precursor compositions, and crosslinked polyolefin nanocomposites are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2023
    Assignee: Northwestern University
    Inventors: John M. Torkelson, Tong Wei
  • Publication number: 20230082329
    Abstract: Methods for removing contaminants from aqueous media using polyelectrolyte complexes having a heterogeneous charge distribution are provided. The polyelectrolyte complexes are formed from an amphiphilic anionic random copolymer and a cationic random copolymer are provided. The polyelectrolyte complexes absorb cationic, anionic, or hydrophobic organic molecules and can be easily removed from water.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2021
    Publication date: March 16, 2023
    Inventors: Jeremy Wang, Monica Olvera de la Cruz, John M. Torkelson
  • Publication number: 20220025096
    Abstract: A composition for forming a dynamic crosslinked polymer network may comprise (a) a dynamic crosslinker having formula R—R?R?N—S—S—NR?R?—R, wherein each R is a polymerizable group comprising a carbon-carbon (C—C) double bond capable of undergoing free radical polymerization and each R? and each R? are independently selected alkyl groups; (b) a polymer comprising a C?C double bond capable of undergoing free radical polymerization, a monomer comprising a C?C double bond capable of undergoing free radical polymerization, or combinations thereof; and (c) a free radical initiator, wherein the dynamic crosslinker does not comprise a urethane group.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2021
    Publication date: January 27, 2022
    Inventors: John M. Torkelson, Mohammed Abdulaziz Bin Rusayyis
  • Publication number: 20220017704
    Abstract: Methods for forming polyolefin nanocomposite precursor compositions are provided. In embodiments, such a method comprises mixing a polyolefin, unmodified graphite, and a peroxide crosslinker via solid-state shear polymerization under conditions to form a polyolefin nanocomposite precursor composition comprising the polyolefin; exfoliated, unmodified graphite dispersed throughout the polyolefin; and unreacted peroxide crosslinker dispersed throughout the polyolefin, wherein the polyolefin is polyethylene, a copolymer of polyethylene, or combinations thereof. Methods of forming crosslinked polyolefin nanocomposites, the polyolefin nanocomposite precursor compositions, and crosslinked polyolefin nanocomposites are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2021
    Publication date: January 20, 2022
    Inventors: John M. Torkelson, Tong Wei
  • Publication number: 20210292463
    Abstract: Reprocessable crosslinked polyurethane networks, methods for making the reprocessable polyurethane networks, and methods for depolymerizing the crosslinked polyurethane networks and recovering the depolymerized monomers are provided. The polyurethane networks are rendered reprocessable by the incorporation of free hydroxyl groups and the incorporation of multi-functional alcohol crosslinkers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2021
    Publication date: September 23, 2021
    Inventors: John M. Torkelson, Xi Chen, Sumeng Hu, Lingqiao Li
  • Publication number: 20210009872
    Abstract: Curable compositions for dynamic epoxy-based thermoset adhesives and/or sealants are provided. Methods of applying the compositions to form strong, low-stress, cured adhesive polymer films are also provided. The cured polymer films use crosslinkers that include disulfide and carbon-nitrogen bonds, wherein the disulfide bonds impart dynamic chemistry to the polymer network structure in order to the achieve adaptable thermoset adhesives and sealants.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2020
    Publication date: January 14, 2021
    Inventors: John M. Torkelson, Lingqiao Li, Xi Chen
  • Publication number: 20200407482
    Abstract: Polythiourethane polymer networks that can be processed and/or recycled are provided. Also provided are methods of forming the polythiourethane polymer networks using excess thiol and/or a dual catalyst system and methods for reprocessing and recycling the polyurethane polymer networks. The polythiourethane polymer networks are based on thiourethane dynamic chemistry.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2020
    Publication date: December 31, 2020
    Inventors: John M. Torkelson, Lingqiao Li, Xi Chen
  • Patent number: 10814529
    Abstract: Methods for preparation of polymer materials incorporating various organic components, including but not limited to solid and/or liquid organic wastes, post-consumer refuse and agricultural, commercial and/or manufacturing by-products, using solid-state shear pulverization.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2020
    Assignee: Northwestern University
    Inventors: John M. Torkelson, Philip Brunner
  • Patent number: 10618991
    Abstract: Reorganizable or reprocessable cross-linked polymer networks with alkoxyamine dynamic covalent bonds and methods for preparation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2020
    Assignee: NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: John M. Torkelson, Kailong Jin, Lingqiao Li
  • Patent number: 10414878
    Abstract: Solid-state shear pulverization of semi-crystalline polymers and copolymers thereof and related methods for enhanced crystallization kinetics and physical/mechanical properties.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2019
    Assignee: Northwestern University
    Inventors: John M. Torkelson, Cynthia Pierre, Amanda Flores Walker, Philip J. Brunner
  • Patent number: 10093035
    Abstract: Methods for improved colorant dispersion in polymer materials using solid-state shear pulverization, as compared to mixing techniques of the prior art, to address concerns relating to colorant agglomeration, plating-out and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2018
    Assignee: Northwestern University
    Inventors: John M. Torkelson, Philip Brunner
  • Publication number: 20180244861
    Abstract: Solid-state shear pulverization of semi-crystalline polymers and copolymers thereof and related methods for enhanced crystallization kinetics and physical/mechanical properties.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2018
    Publication date: August 30, 2018
    Inventors: John M. Torkelson, Cynthia Pierre, Amanda Flores Walker, Philip J. Brunner
  • Patent number: 9938397
    Abstract: Polymeric compositions comprising as-received organic waste materials comprising an antioxidant component for enhanced thermal stability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: Northwestern University
    Inventors: John M. Torkelson, Krishnan A. Iyer
  • Patent number: 9926412
    Abstract: Solid-state shear pulverization of semi-crystalline polymers and copolymers thereof and related methods for enhanced crystallization kinetics and physical/mechanical properties.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: Northwestern University
    Inventors: John M. Torkelson, Cynthia Pierre, Amanda Flores Walker
  • Patent number: 9873770
    Abstract: Solid-state shear pulverization of semi-crystalline polymers and copolymers thereof and related methods for enhanced crystallization kinetics and physical/mechanical properties.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2018
    Assignee: Northwester University
    Inventors: John M. Torkelson, Cynthia Pierre, Amanda Flores Walker, Philip J. Brunner
  • Patent number: 9695255
    Abstract: Functionalization of polymers, including polyolefins, via decomposition of organic peroxides through the use of solid-state shear pulverization.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: Northwestern University
    Inventors: John M. Torkelson, Jeanette M. Diop
  • Patent number: 9624320
    Abstract: Functionalization of polymers, including polyolefins, with a, ?-unsaturated carboxy-derived moieties through the use of solid-state shear pulverization.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: Northwestern University
    Inventors: John M. Torkelson, Jeanette M. Diop