Description:

Webinar

Uncommon Material Combinations & Processing Methods for Improved Performance & New Applications of Common Polymers

Prof. Gary E. Wnek

Department Chair

Department of Macromolecular Science and Engineering

Case Western Reserve University

Monday, May 18,   Webinar at 6:00 PM Pacific time

Abstract

There is a significant need to add value to existing high-volume polymeric materials, from commodity polyolefins through engineering plastics and elastomers. Of particular interest are approaches that are scalable, scrapless, and solvent-free. We will discuss two initiatives that attempt to address these important needs: (1) cold-rolling, well-known in the ductile metals industry but less appreciated for the processing of semi-crystalline plastics, and (2) fiber production via a unique variant of multi-layer co-extrusion. Cold-rolling has been shown to increase the toughness of the engineering thermoplastic poly(p-phenylene sulfide) and the biodegradable polyester poly(l-lactic acid) without the aid of toughening agents, and is being explored to improve the mechanical properties of otherwise incompatible polymer blends such as HDPE/PP. Fiber fabrication of incompatible HDPE/PP blends via co-extrusion has been studied, and mechanical properties of blended fibers with those of pure co mponents will be compared. Advantages of both approaches will be discussed. Also, attention has been directed toward application of unvulcanized rubbers, with confinement in layers with thermoplastic elastomers obviating the need for vulcanization. Applications in the area of impact-damping will be discussed.

Speaker Background

Gary Wnek is Joseph F. Toot, Jr., Professor of Engineering and Professor and Chair of Macromolecular Science and Engineering at Case Western Reserve University.  Gary’s research interests include fibrous polymers and gels for applications in drug delivery and regenerative medicine, synthetic macromolecular constructs that mimic physiological functions, adding value to common polymers using uncommon processing approaches, and flammability mitigation of common polymers. He has authored or co-authored over 215 publications and holds 39 US patents.  Gary earned his Ph.D. In Polymer Science and Engineering from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, and his B.S. Degree in Chemical Engineering from Worcester Polytechnic Institute. He was elected a Fellow of the National Academy of Inventors in 2024.

Registration deadline: Sunday, May 17, 1:00 PM.

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Webinar Timing: 6:00 PM.

(Zoom meeting room will open earlier)

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