(Videotapes/slides of many past presentations are available for viewing on our archives page)
Bisphenol A: History, Chemistry, Uses and Concerns”, November 10, 2011
Assoc.Prof. Daniel Schmidt, UML Plastics Engineering Dept
Abstract: Bisphenol A was first synthesized in the 19th century by Russian chemist Aleksandr Dianin. Since then, it has been explored for a wide range of applications, and has found many important roles in the field of plastics, both as a monomer and an additive. In more recent times it has inspired health concerns as well, as its estrogenic characteristics and endocrine disrupting potential have been the
focus of more and more research. As of this writing, significant regulations are already in place limiting the usage of this material, and more are on the way. This talk will present an overview of these topics in an effort to spur informed discussions on the subject matter.
Energy Conservation in Plastics Manufacturing – Improving the Bottom Line while Going Green”, October 13, 2011
Mark Berry, PPD Tech LLC; Director, MoldCool USA, Inc.
Absract: ‘Green’ manufacturing seeks the lowest carbon footprint as we deliver products to the marketplace. US plastics manufacturers have a particular interest in using the least energy possible as we compete in a global marketplace that heavily favors developing countries with much lower labor costs, access to government subsidies and fewer regulatory restrictions.
This presentation discusses some of the major opportunities available to plastics processors to reduce energy usage and to minimize wasted energy and its unnecessary costs , in their operations. A primer on electrical energy is offered for background, followed by discussion on reducing energy usage with a focus on primary processing equipment and process cooling.
“Polymer-Based Nanocomposites” September 22, 2011
Prof. Peggy Cebe, Physics and Astronomy Dept., Tufts University
Abstract: Our research in nanocomposites has centered on determining the impact of nano-additives, including silicates and multi-walled carbon nanotubes, on the structure of the amorphous and crystalline phases of the polymer host. A simple two-phase model, comprising crystal and amorphous phases, fails to describe the structure of many semi-crystalline polymers. Instead, a three-phase model, including crystalline, mobile amorphous, and rigid amorphous fractions has been successfully applied in the study of crystallized bulk films. We will review the information that can be gained from thermal analysis about the glass transition process, crystal formation, and crystal melting, using temperature-modulated differential scanning calorimetry. We report on the effects of nanoparticle addition on the three phases of the polymer host. Of particular interest is the situation where the host polymer itself is confined to nanometer dimensions, for example, by the formation of electrospun composite nanofibers.
“Powder Metal Injection Molding”, March 29, 2011
Presenter: William F. Thorne, BASF Corp.
Powder injection molding (PIM) is comprised of two material groups. These groups are commonly referred to as metal injection molding (MIM) and ceramic injection molding (CIM). The metal fabrication market has been dominated by costly processes such as machining and investment die casting for higher strength metal systems. The use of high tonnage compaction presses led to the growth of press and sinter applications reducing the cost associated with high volume manufacturing markets. However, the final density was reduced significantly and the complexity of the geometry was quite limited. In the 1980s work began to mix fine metal powder with a polymer to allow a complex metal geometry to be formed via injection molding. Over the past 15 years these formulations have been developed with advanced binder systems to create a billion dollar market with 15% annual growth.
“Compounding Medical Grade Polymers” April 12, 2011
Dr. Paul G. Andersen, Senior Manager, Process Technology and New Development, Coperion Corporation, paul.anderson@coperion.com
Abstract: Development of medical grade polymer compounds presents interesting challenges as well as opportunities for formulators, compound suppliers, and device manufacturers. Because of the critical function of medical devices, in particular those used for a) packaging of blood and other fluids, or b) insertion into the body either temporarily (i.e. catheters) or permanently (i.e. implants), compounds used in these applications are typically not off the shelf materials. Formulators, compounders and device manufacturers can benefit by working together to determine/design the basic formulation based on end use device requirements and then develop a specific compounding process which will optimize the desired material performance.
