Applications of Coupled Rheology-FTIR to Polymer Analyses by Dr. Sara Reynaud, Arkema (& NATAS President) and Dr. Dana Garcia, consultant (& Arkema retired)
Description:
Webinar
Applications of Coupled Rheology-FTIR to Polymer Analyses
Dr. Sara Reynaud, Arkema (& NATAS President)
and Dr. Dana Garcia, consultant (& Arkema retired)
Wednesday, February 16, Webinar at 5:00 PM Pacific time
Abstract:
The advancement of coupled rheological spectroscopic techniques creates wide opportunities to study in situ structure-property-processing-performance relationships of polymers under dynamic conditions. At Arkema, we explored the use of combined Rheo-IR in the attempt to understand the mechanisms behind phenomena such as shear instability, preferential crystallization pathways, structural changes under processing conditions, and more. This presentation summarizes initial studies on temperature-dependent structural transitions in Styrene-Butadiene Copolymers and Poly(methyl methacrylate)-Polylactic acid (PMMA-PLA) blends. The collection of real time IR spectra allows identification of chemical changes within the polybutadiene blocks during isothermal rheological experiments. The partial irreversibility of the chemical changes indicates a possible crosslinking of the copolymer when processed at high temperatures. In the case of PMMA-PLA blends, the variation of the IR spectra suggests the formation at high temperatures of a metastable morphology, which was difficult to detect by rheology alone.
In a more recent study, we describe the mechanisms of internal lubrication due to the addition of polymer process aids to polyethylene. In particular, we will focus on commercial fluoropolymer based polymer processing additives, Kynar® PPAs, used to eliminate melt fracture during film extrusion. We show that addition of ppm level of Kynar® PPAs into PE drastically improves the quality of extrusion. The lubrication phenomenon is due to the migration of PPA particles to the metal surface of the die, which promotes wall slippage. Although the PPA migration mechanism at high shear rates is well understood in the industry; very little is known about the effect of PPAs on the flow behavior of the molten polymer when processed at relatively low shear rates. Our Rheo-IR findings indicate a good correlation between the transient viscosity and the evolution of the CH2 band in presence of PPAs. Based on the conformational changes and the increase in PE mobility observed in the IR spectra when shearing PE with Kynar® PPA, we suggest a new internal lubrication mechanism that involves the diffusion of PPA droplets across the polymer matrix instead of migrating to surface. This work explains why a small amount of Kynar® PPA is also beneficial for low shear rates processing such as pipe & cable extrusion. Further experiments are underway to investigate lubrication and migration phenomena in other commercial systems.
Speaker Background:
Dr. Sara Reynaud joined Arkema in 2012, where she is a Senior Research Scientist. She leads research projects on rheological behavior and mechanical properties of polymers, and works on the implementation of new analytical methodologies. Sara is a co-author of 30+ technical publications including a highly cited review paper on boron carbide, a book chapter on carbon nanotubes; and 3 patents. Prior to joining Arkema, Sara was a postdoctoral associate at the Center for Ceramic Research at Rutgers University. She holds a Ph.D. degree in Material Science and Engineering from Rutgers and a combined BS/MS degree from the University of Naples in Italy. She has been actively involved with ASTM International where she is second vice-chairman of E37. Dr. Reynaud is a NATAS Fellow, and she is currently serving as NATAS President for 2022.
Dr. Dana Garcia received her BS degree in chemistry from Stockton State University (NJ) and her Ph.D. in physical-organic chemistry from Brandeis University (MA). Dana retired in Dec. 2021 from Arkema Inc., where she was a Principal Scientist at the Arkema King of Prussia (Pa.) Research Center, responsible for the vibrational spectroscopy laboratory. Prior to joining Arkema in 1987 she held industrial positions in the areas of polymer crystallization & nucleation and adhesive & composite characterization using FTIR, thermal, and rheological techniques. Dr. Garcia is a Fellow of the American Chemical Society and a Fellow of the American Chemical Society, POLY Division.
EVENT DATE: Wednesday, February 16
Registration requested by: Tuesday, February 15, 1:00 PM.
Registration may close earlier than the nominal deadline if capacity is reached.
This event will be FREE OF CHARGE, but we still require you to fill out the registration form. In particular, we need to have your name and email address for you to be able to participate. Please provide affiliation also if you can, as it helps us judge audience interests.
If you can spare a small amount, GGPF requests an optional donation of $5 (or more) but this is not required to register and attend the webinar.
To register for free, use the pull-down toggle to select "All registrants ($0.00)" choice.
To donate, use the pull down toggle to select "GGPF donation ($5.00)". This will direct you to a link where you can use PayPal or any credit or debit card. For larger donations, use the "Donate to GGPF" link on the front page GGPF.org
Webinar Timing: Webinar Time 5:00 PM.
(Zoom meeting room will open earlier)
Attendees who complete the registration form will receive information by email for how to participate. It is requested that people join the meeting invitation well before 5:00 to avoid delays.
Registrants will receive the information needed to join the webinar within a day of the event in an email from “events@ggpf.org” To be certain of seeing the note, please add events@ggpf.org to your safe mail senders list, and/or look in your spam, updates, or other mailbox locations in addition to your primary In Box.
Please register on the web page.
You should receive email confirmation of your registration; if not, please contact us again.
Do not reply to email from events@ggpf.org
For questions or other assistance, contact:
Bruce Prime
rbruceprime@gmail.com
Attendees will be added to the GGPF email announcements list unless they request otherwise.
LOCATION:
Anywhere you want, or anywhere you are busy socially distancing, sheltering in place, working, or waiting it all out. Good luck!
We are sorry but registration for this event is now closed.
Please contact us if you would like to know if spaces are still available.