2023 Fall Technical Meeting Speakers
Jeff Ellis
EWI
Senior Technology Leader
Topic: Measurement of the Hydrogen Permeation through Polymers at High Pressure
Presentation Summary:
EWI recently opened a hydrogen lab that can be used to test for polymer properties in contact with high pressure. Properties such as hydrogen permeation rate, environmental stress cracking at high pressure, cyclic temperature and pressure effects, among others can be tested in EWI's lab. Details of the high pressure permeation fixture as well as data measured with it will be presented.
Speaker Biography:
Dr. Ellis has been studying the interactions of polymeric materials with their surrounding environment since 2004. During this time, he has consulted for many companies in consumer products, health care, military, automotive, aerospace, and energy. Many of these projects utilized his expertise in polymer processing, high pressure applications, joining, selection, failure analysis with solution implementation, testing, degradation, and accelerated aging.
August Krupp
Molecular Rebar Design, LLC
Director- MR Rubber Business
Topic: AFLAS® with MOLEECULAR REBAR®
Presentation Summary:
MOLECULAR REBAR® carbon nanotubes improve key physical performance characteristics for oil & gas applications of AFLAS® fluoropolymers. August Krupp of Molecular Rebar Design, LLC (MRD) will present the results of work performed in conjunction between MRD and AGC Chemicals Company.
Speaker Biography:
August is a graduate of Washington University in St. Louis, with a bachelor's degree in Applied Science- Mechanical Engineering. He is currently the director of the rubber business at Molecular Rebar Design. He & his team are responsible for developing and commercializing discrete and functionalized carbon nanotube products for various applications in elastomers.
Steve Risotto
American Chemistry Council
Senior Director
Topic: PFAS and Fluoropolymers - An Update
Presentation Summary:
The presentation will provide an overview of state, federal, and international issues regarding PFAS and fluoropolymers
Speaker Biography:
Steve is a Senior Director for the American Chemistry Council, based in Washington, DC. He is the lead staff involved in federal and state policy on including PFOA and PFOS and other legacy per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). Steve has been engaged in ACC’s effort to consider frameworks for the assessment of chemical alternatives in consumer and industrial products and processes.
Steve received a BS in biology from Cornell University and an MS from LSU.
Brendan Rodgers
ELL Technologies LLC
Engineer
Topic: Elastomer Nanocomposites for Oil and Gas Applications
Presentation Summary:
Rubber polymer nanocomposites containing graphene enable improvements in compound performance not otherwise achievable with inorganic clays. Improvements include low strain tensile strength, tear strength, compression set, oil swelling resistance, and rubber aging resistance. For compound development using pure pristine graphene, it is proving to be a drop-in with no to little trade-offs.
Speaker Biography:
Brendan Rodgers based in Austin Texas, has spent 42 years working in the tire and rubber industry with both The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company and ExxonMobil. He has worked on a broad range of tire and industrial rubber products, materials technologies, and tire design. Brendan has a PhD in chemical engineering from The Queen’s University of Belfast in Northern Ireland and a Master's degree in Polymer Technology also from The Queen’s University.
Himanshu Verma
Rubberatkins
VP Non Metallic Materials
Topic: Low temperature characterization of Carbon filled HNBR material and the Influence of Pressure on the Low Temperature Glass Transition Point
Presentation Summary:
The low temperature point at which the material transforms from its elastic state to a stiffer ‘glass’ state is known as the ‘Low Temperature Glass Transition Point (Tg)’. The main driver for this is the ‘free volume of space’ within the polymer chains which facilitates chain mobility. Factors which can affect the ‘free volume of space’ within polymer matrix are; polymer type, cure site, material’s stiffness, cross link density and pressure
Speaker Biography:
