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Abstracts

“Electrochemically Assisted Demilitarization of Dissolved and Solid Energetic Materials” by Dr. Mark Fuller (WP21-1126) 

This project supports SERDP’s efforts to reduce DoW liabilities by developing sustainable, cost-effective technologies to demilitarize stockpiles of aging, off-specification, or other military munitions containing energetic formulations.. This presentation will discuss an electrochemically assisted approach using off-the-shelf commercially available components that effectively degrade dissolved energetics. The first report of electrochemically assisted demilitarization of the solid phase Composition B (HMX/RDX/TNT) and NC fines will be presented. The final residuals of the process will be discussed, as will a preliminary cost analysis. Results to date demonstrate that electrochemical processes may be a safe and effective alternative for demilitarization treatment trains of solid energetics from munitions. 

“Decrosslinking Extrusion of Crosslinked Polyurethane Composites” by Dr. Timothy Long (WP23-0227) 

This presentation features the development . of a solvent-free reactive decrosslinking extrusion platform that uses low-molecular-weight carbamate decrosslinkers to induce rapid bond exchange within XPU networks. At moderate temperatures, this approach converts XPU composites into low-viscosity thermoplastic oligomers and separable solid fillers within minutes, achieving complete network deconstruction even in highly filled systems. Preliminary life cycle and techno-economic analyses of this lab-scale decrosslinking extrusion process indicate competitive costs, while eliminating solvent use and enabling high-throughput processing. This technology provides a safe and cost-effective alternative to open burning and detonation. The presentation will discuss the underlying technology, key experimental results, and implications for effective XPU composite management. 

“Task-Specific Ionic Liquids for Fluoropolymer Separation from Defense Materials” by Dr. Rocio Perez (WP25-0283) 

Fluoropolymers such as Teflon and Viton are widely used in DoW applications because of their exceptional thermal and chemical resistance; however, these same properties make their disposal and separation from inorganic metal powders highly challenging. Conventional disposal methods, including landfilling and high-temperature incineration, are energy intensive and may generate hazardous fluorinated byproducts. This presentation discusses the development of task-specific ionic liquids (ILs) designed to selectively swell and dissolve fluoropolymers from metal-containing composites under mild processing conditions. The synthesized ILs contain fluorinated anions to promote fluorophilic interactions, enabling efficient separation without damaging the inorganic components. The presentation will describe IL synthesis and characterization, fluoropolymer dissolution performance, separation kinetics, and process optimization, as well as IL recovery and reuse strategies to improve efficiency and reduce operational costs. This technology has the potential to reduce hazardous waste generation, minimize impacts, and provide the DoW with safer fluoropolymer management alternatives. 

Speaker Biographies

Dr. Mark Fuller is a Senior Research Scientist at APTIM Federal Services, LLC. He has worked for over 35 years on the fate and transport of environmental constituents. His research has focused on the development and evaluation of innovative biological and chemical remediation technologies for a wide range of soil and groundwater constituents, including explosives, chlorinated solvents, hydrocarbons, and, more recently, PFAS. Mark has served as a principal investigator and co-principal investigator on projects funded by SERDP, ESTCP, and the U.S. Department of Energy. He has authored more than 80 peer-reviewed papers and book chapters and has delivered dozens of technical presentations and posters. He received a bachelor’s degree in microbiology from Cornell University and a doctoral degree in microbiology from the University of California, Davis.

Dr. Timothy Long serves in an interdisciplinary faculty position across the School of Molecular Sciences and the School for Engineering Matter, Transport, and Energy at Arizona State University where he launched and now leads the Biodesign Center for Sustainable Macromolecular Materials and Manufacturing. His most recent research efforts address the need for tailored advanced macromolecules for advanced manufacturing, including vat photopolymerization, direct ink write, binder jetting, powder bed fusion, and melt extrusion. His research ranges from controlled polymerization processes for block copolymers to high-performance engineering polymers for emerging technology with a lens of earth sustainability. In addition to over 450 peer-reviewed publications, his research awards include the 2026 ACS Senior Mark Scholar Award and 2023 3M Excellence in Adhesion Award. Tim received his doctoral degree in chemistry from Virginia Tech.

Dr. Rocio Perez is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Biochemistry, Chemistry, and Physics at Georgia Southern University in Statesboro, Georgia. Her research focuses on ionic liquids, deep eutectic solvents, and advanced functional materials for environmental remediation,polymer recycling, sensing technologies, and low-impact chemistry applications. Her recent work includes the development of task-specific solvents for fluoropolymer separation, polymer depolymerization, PFAS-related applications, wastewater treatment, and sustainable analytical methodologies. She has served as principal and co-principal investigator on projects funded by SERDP and EPA. She has authored more than 60 peer-reviewed journal publications and book chapters in analytical chemistry, environmental chemistry, and materials science. Rocio received her bachelor’s degree in biotechnology and her doctoral degree in analytical chemistry from Universidad Nacional de Rosario in Argentina.