Polymerisation Reaction Engineering
This facility supports emerging electro-optic applications with novel polymers, and Reactive Injection Moulding and Reactive Extrusion machines. Client projects undertaken have included the following industrial sectors:
- General engineering
- Automotive
- Bio-medical
- Pharmaceutical
- Optical polymers
- Confectionary
- Personal and health care
- Surface coatings
- Pipeline
We have the capability of developing polymeric materials for specific end-uses including optical polymers. Activities are vertically integrated ranging from bench-scale chemistry through to the manufacture of finished products including:
- Polymer chemistry
- Quantification of polymerization reactions i.e reaction kinetics and thermodynamics
- Modelling and simulation of polymerization reactions and processes
- Reactor design and scale-up
- Process control including real-time and off line process measurement
- Product evaluation at the molecular and macroscopic levels
Apart from conventional batch, semi-batch and flow reactor systems for polymer production, we have capabilities in the reactive processing of polymers by reactive injection (such as RIM, RRIM, SRIM) and reactive extrusion (REX) and also the application of these technologies to a wide range of non-polymer products e.g. mixing studies, blends, gels, dispersions, and fast phase separation processes.
The enhancement of polymer properties though reinforcement is a significant part of our expertise. The RRIM and SRIM facilities are used for one facet of this interest in the development of polymer matrix composites. Facilities are also available for the development of composites by compression methods and this includes an interest in novel adhesives for complex composite structures, notably those involving polypropylene with a range of other materials.
Can we help develop a new technology, prototype or process for you?
Please contact us