The Polymer Processing Institute has had a long history of research in reactive processing.  Much of the contract research for industries is of the work conducted in one of three main categories:

• Reactive Compatibilization
  • Create Stable Morphologies in Polymer Blends and Composites
  •  Improve Mechanical and Thermal Properties
• Monomer Grafting to a Polymer Backbone
  • Add Functionality/Polarity to Polymer Chains
  • Grafted Polymer to be used as a Compatibilizer for Polymer Blends/Composites
• Polymerization Reactions
  • Addition as well as Condensation Types
  • Homo and Co polymerizations.  Up to Four Monomer Components have been Investigated
  • Typical Goal is to Perform Polymerizations in Continuous Processing Equipment.  Extrusion Equipment Primarily but not Exclusively Used

A systematic approach is used to determine the feasibility of a Reactive Polymer System.  The Process/Product Development project is custom designed on a case-by-case basis.  A typical approach is to investigate the system on a small-scale batch wise basis, then incorporate the information gained to pilot scale continuous equipment.  PPI has an extensive processing laboratory of pilot sized equipment, which includes:

• Batch mixers
• Extruders; Single and Twin Screw, Co-and Counter-rotating, Intermeshing and Non-intermeshing
• Continuous Stirred Tank Reactors; to be used as Pre-reactors or for Complete Polymerizations
• Liquid Metering Pumps; Capable of Pumping at High Pressures and Low Flow Rates
• Jacketed Pumps, Lines, and Feed Ports to Control Component Temperature

Process laboratory is complemented by an extensive Polymer Characterization Laboratory.

For more information, please contact
Dr. Ming-Wan Young
(973) 596-5256

myoung@polymers-ppi.org